Shillong, Aug 12: West Jaintia Hills Deputy Commissioner Abhinav Kumar Singh on Tuesday inaugurated the Natural & Craft Mart, an SHG outlet set up by the District Mission Management Unit, MSRLS within the DC office premises in Jowai.
The mart aims to provide a dedicated market platform for products made by Self Help Groups and rural entrepreneurs.
Addressing the gathering, Singh congratulated the DMMU team and said the mart marks a significant step in improving livelihoods by making the district’s natural and authentic products available at one location. He urged SHGs to ensure regular availability and variety of products and assured support from the DC office and MSRLS to strengthen SHG livelihoods and provide customers access to authentic local produce.
Project Director DRDA and Nodal Officer DMMU B. Blah said many products from West Jaintia Hills remain unknown due to lack of platform and information, and expressed hope that the mart would create greater awareness and better marketing opportunities for SHGs.
MSRLS Chief Operating Officer Shanlang Lyngdoh stressed on quality, regularity and authenticity of products. He said plans are underway for PGS certification and barcode-based traceability to assure customers of quality and origin.
District Mission Manager R. Shadap said the mart is an effort to bridge the gap between production and market access for SHGs. He informed that SHGs across the district produce Lakadong turmeric, red rice tea, honey, spices, processed food and handicrafts, and urged them to focus on packaging, branding and customer needs to reach wider markets.
Also present were representatives from line departments, CLFS, VOs, SHGs and community cadres.
