Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 03 December 2023
After lying dormant since 2020, the Rural Haat in Namunaghar Panchayat has been revitalized, thanks to the collaborative efforts of the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), the Namunaghar Gram Panchayat, and the enthusiastic Self-Help Group (SHG) members. On November 28, 2023, the once-idle marketplace came to life again, marking a significant stride in promoting and marketing SHG products.
The Rural Haat is aimed at showcasing and providing a platform for SHG products. The rejuvenated Rural Haat not only rekindles economic opportunities but also serves as a marketing hub for the talents and crafts of local artisans and entrepreneurs, particularly the SHG women.
The revival of the Rural Haat garnered an enthusiastic response from the local community, especially the SHG ladies, and received overwhelming support from the Namunaghar Panchayat Members. The marketplace witnessed a bustling scene, with villagers flocking to explore the variety of offerings. The fast-food centre, pickle and vegetable counters, in particular, attracted a large number of visitors, drawing attention during the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra program in Namunaghar.
In addition to these attractions, the Rural Haat has introduced Tailoring Units that are poised to fulfill orders from the nearby Government School, signalling a promising avenue for sustained business growth and collaboration.
One of the primary objectives of the revived Rural Haat is to provide market access to SHG products, amplifying income generation opportunities and fostering self-employment prospects for the women involved in these groups. This strategic move not only amplifies financial prospects but also fortifies the foundation for sustainable livelihoods.
Expressing gratitude, NABARD extended its appreciation to the Namunaghar Gram Panchayat and the SHGs for their instrumental roles in breathing life back into the Rural Haat. The collaboration stands as a testament to realizing NABARD’s vision of empowering SHG members with sustainable livelihoods and economic prosperity.