PULWAMA: Jammu Kashmir Rural Livelihood Mission (JKRLM) in collaboration with National Bank for Agriculture & Rural Development (NABARD) today inaugurated a Rural Mart at NH44 Chersoo, Awantipora Pulwama.
JKRLM and NABARD have extended the grant support to Self Help Groups (SHGs) promoted under JKRLM for setting up of these Rural Marts.
These marts, the first of which was inaugurated today at NH44 Awantipora, Pulwama aims to promote and provide the platform for marketing the local handmade products produced by the women SHGs.
The inaugural ceremony was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Awantipora, Zafar Husaain Shawl; DGM NABARD Surinder Singh; CGM, NABARD, Dr AK Sood and SPM NF NRLM, Yasir Ahmad; SPM Farm NRLM, Dr. Rayees Ahmad and all other DPMs of NRLM Pulwama.
This mart has been set up under the NABARD’s Rural Mart scheme, to provide a platform for SHGs to sell their handmade products ranging from craft items, clothing, handloom, handicraft products, home-made food items, and dry fruits among others.
NABARD has committed to providing financial support to the tune of Rs 5.93 lakh for each rural mart for a period of 03 years. The components such as shop rent, the salary of a salesman, marketing, and other miscellaneous expenses shall be provided by NABARD.
Speaking on the occasion, ADC Awantipora said that the Rural Mart to be run by female SHGs was the first step towards women’s empowerment in the district.
CGM NABARD encouraged the female SHG members to use the mart as an opportunity for economic development and ensure the continuity, quality, and quantity of local goods for customers.
SPM JKRLM appreciated the SHGs for being a step ahead of such a unique initiative in the district.
The event was attended by members of various SHGs in the district.
District Development Manager NABARD, Junaid Hakeem; DPMs JKRLM Arsheed Ahmad Bhat and Irfan Basheer were also present on the occasion.
