The Mawkyrwat Rural Haat was inaugurated today by South West Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner, Caramai Kharkongor.
The market located next to the community hall was constructed with the support from National Bank of Agriculture & Rural Development under Gramya Vikash Nidhi Fund in convergence with the Block Development Officer through Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme & National Rural Livelihood Mission, Meghalaya State Rural Livelihood Society (MSRLS), District Mission Management Unit (DMMU), South West Khasi Hills District.
Speaking at the function, the deputy commissioner said the market will provide a platform for farmers and other artisans to display and sell their products and in marketing their goods within and outside the district.
She stressed on the need of cooperation and support amongst Self Help Groups (SHGs) in order to take their journey forward. She said with the formation of SHGs there has been a steadfast change in the society because women were able to contribute and share something towards their families and society. She also inspired women to work harder towards improvement of their goods and products so as to enable them to fetch a good market.
Kharkongor also expressed her gratitude towards the Presbyterian Church for allotting them a land in which the structure was built towards a common cause. She urged the stakeholders to take proper care, maintain and make use of the Haat for the purpose in which it was built.
Isagaha Lawrynñiang, BDO Mawkyrwat C&RD Block informed that the Rural Haat Management Committee has decided to provide Photbaden SHG to set up a food stall in the market and Tynnai for their hand-made products.
Prabhudutta Sahoo, General Manager NABARD urged the people to make use of the facility in a more gainful way.
Amongst others who spoke on the occasion were Additional DC L.T. Tariang, J.S. Khardewsaw, Church Elder Mawkyrwat Presbyterian Church, R.R. Lyngkhoi, Myntri Shnong Mawkyrwat.