Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 03 February 2024
Mithakhari Gram Panchayat received a significant boost as the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) extended its support for the construction of a ‘Rural Haat’ near Tushnabad Junction. The inaugural ceremony took place on January 31, 2024, with the esteemed presence of Ms. Nandini Paliwal, IAS, Commissioner-cum-Secretary of Rural Development, A&N Administration.
The inauguration witnessed the participation of key figures, including Ms. Archana Singh, General Manager of NABARD, and Mr. Mohd. Safiq, the Pradhan of Mithakhari. The ‘Rural Haat’ is envisioned as a dedicated marketing platform for farmers, artisans, and Self-Help Group (SHG) members in the area, providing them with an avenue to showcase and sell their products.
Members from Zilla Parishad, Panchayat Samiti, and residents from Muslimbasti, Mithakhari, and Ograbraj villages were present to mark the occasion, showcasing the collaborative effort between the community and NABARD.
Expressing her gratitude, Ms. Nandini Paliwal thanked NABARD for their support in establishing the Rural Haat. She emphasized the positive impact the platform would have on rural women SHG members, providing them with valuable market opportunities to sell their produce.
Ms. Archana Singh, in her address, motivated the women SHG members and farmers to actively engage with the Rural Haat. She highlighted that the Andaman Krishak Sahayog Producer Co. Ltd., a Farmer Producer Company (FPO) supported by NABARD, with a majority of its members from the Mithakhari constituency, would set up a sales outlet in the Rural Haat to further promote local business activities.
Commending the Mithakhari Gram Panchayat team for their dedication, Ms. Archana Singh welcomed more community-based projects in collaboration with NABARD. The completion of the project, despite challenges faced during construction, received praise, particularly acknowledging the efforts of Mr. Mohammad Ali, Executive Engineer, PRI, and the contractors involved.
The inauguration also featured a showcase of products by women SHG members, including fresh kitchen-garden vegetables, millet-based items, garments, coir-based handicrafts, and more. The event highlighted the potential of the Rural Haat to become a vibrant hub for the promotion and sustenance of local businesses in the region.