Rural Mart for SHGs opens at Pulwama

Will provide deserving platform for marketing of local handmade products of SHGs: CGM NABARD

PULWAMA, March 10: Jammu Kashmir Rural Livelihood Mission (JKRLM) in collaboration with National Bank for Agriculture & Rural Development (NABARD) today inaugurated a Rural Mart at NH44 Chersoo, Awantipora Pulwama.

JKRLM and NABARD have extended the grant support to Self Help Groups (SHGs) promoted under JKRLM for setting up of these Rural Marts.

These marts, first of which was inaugurated today at NH44 Awantipora, Pulwama aims to promote and provide the platform for marketing of the local handmade products produced by the women SHGs.

The inaugural ceremony was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Awantipora, Zafar Husaain Shawl; DGM NABARD Surinder Singh; CGM, NABARD, Dr AK Sood and SPM NF NRLM, Yasir Ahmad; SPM Farm NRLM, Dr. Rayees Ahmad and all other DPMs of NRLM Pulwama.

This mart has been set up under NABARDs Rural Mart scheme, to provide a platform for SHGs to sell their handmade products ranging from craft items, clothing, handloom and handicraft products, home-made food items, dry fruits among others.

NABARD has committed to provide the financial support to the tune of Rs.5.93 lakh for each rural mart for a period of 03 years. The components such as shop rent, salary of salesman, marketing and other miscellaneous expenses shall be provided by NABARD.

Speaking on the occasion, ADC Awantipora said that the Rural Mart to be run by female SHGs was the first step towards women empowerment in the district.

CGM NABARD encouraged the female SHG members to use the mart as an opportunity for economic development and ensure the continuity, quality and quantity of local goods for customers.

SPM JKRLM appreciated the SHGs for being a step ahead for such a unique initiative in the district.

The event was attended by members of various SHGs in the district.

District Development Manager NABARD, Junaid Hakeem; DPMs JKRLM Arsheed Ahmad Bhat and Irfan Basheer were also present on the occasion.