Maharashtra Women's Self-Help Groups to Showcase Products at Nagpur's SARAS Exhibition
Women's self-help groups, commonly known as bachat gats, from across Maharashtra will display their products at more than 350 stalls during the upcoming Mahalaxmi SARAS Goods and Sales Exhibition. The event is scheduled to take place at the Reshimbagh ground in Nagpur from March 11 to March 23, providing a significant platform for rural entrepreneurs to access broader markets.
Exhibition Details and Participant Registration
Registration for participants will commence on March 10, one day before the exhibition opens. The inaugural ceremony is set for 10:30 AM on March 11 and will feature prominent women personalities from Nagpur, including Kanchan Gadkari, Amruta Fadnavis, and divisional commissioner Vijayalakshmi Bidari, as confirmed by officials.
Focus on Nagpur and Key Districts
A majority of the participating groups will hail from Nagpur district, along with significant representation from Raigad, Ratnagiri, and Amravati districts. Nagpur district alone boasts nearly 17,000 self-help groups that produce a variety of items such as pickles, food products, handicrafts, paintings, and handloom goods. However, these groups often face challenges in finding consistent markets for their products, a gap that the SARAS exhibition aims to address.
Stall Categories and Special Zones
Approximately 110 stalls will be dedicated to food items, highlighting the culinary diversity and traditional recipes from rural Maharashtra. In addition to the product displays, the exhibition will feature several themed zones to enhance visitor experience:
- Village-Themed Area: This section will showcase rural life, offering insights into traditional practices and cultural heritage.
- Technology Zone: Equipped with virtual reality and augmented reality displays, this zone will provide interactive information on rural development and entrepreneurship.
- Children's Zone: Located near the food stalls, this dedicated area will offer family-friendly activities and entertainment.
Organizational Support and Objectives
The exhibition is organized by the Maharashtra State Rural Livelihood Mission in collaboration with the Nagpur Zilla Parishad. During a press conference on Monday, Zilla Parishad chief executive officer Vinayak Mahamuni emphasized the event's role in bridging market gaps for self-help groups. He stated, "Nagpur district alone has nearly 17,000 self-help groups which prepare items such as pickles, food products, handicrafts, paintings and handloom products, but often struggle to find a consistent market for their goods. This is where SARAS steps in."
This initiative underscores the state's commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs and boosting rural economies through direct market linkages and promotional opportunities.
