Punjab to offer marketing options for rural artisans

He added that 7,100 SHGs have been set up under different schemes and also provided loan facilities.

“People should extend patronage to the products of SHGs. Support and motivation to these groups would help improve the rural economy,” he said.

Badal called upon other SHGs to come forward and participate in exhibitions to market their products.

With as many as 200 artisans from 25 states across the country taking part,Badal said,the SARAS fair offered a platform to rural artisans to improve their economical condition. Training centres would also be opened at the district level.

The chief minister also announced a grant of Rs 50 crore for drinking water supply and sewerage facilities in Ropar city.

Badal also paid rich tributes to the Father of the Nation on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti.

Punjab Rural Development and Panchayat Minister Ranjit Singh Brahmpura also encouraged participants and stakeholders to develop and promote rural products/artisans.

“The Punjab Government would provide a platform not only for direct sale of rural products,but also offer exposure to artisans/ entrepreneurs to various aspects of marketing,and developing linkages with various other markets,” he added.

Jagpal Singh Sandhu,financial commissioner,Rural Development and Panchayat Department,said the main slogans of the fair are ‘No Trader,No Middleman’ and ‘Artisan and Customer Face to Face’.

On the occasion,Amar Singh,joint secretary,Ministry of Rural Development,promised to provide necessary support in setting up of rural marketing hubs in the state to promote rural handicraft and small scale industry products. The SARAS fair is on till October 12.