NABARD Unveils Rural Haats in Alubari and Medo
Staff Reporter:
Namsai, December 16, 2023: In a significant stride towards rural economic development, General Manager Damodar Mishra of the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) inaugurated two Rural Haats (Permanent Market Sheds) on December 16, 2023, in Alubari and Medo, located in Namsai and Lohit Districts, respectively. The inauguration ceremony, attended by key dignitaries, marked a pivotal moment in enhancing the agricultural landscape of the region.
The Rural Haats, constructed with financial support from NABARD, were inaugurated in prime locations on the National Highway. The ceremonies were graced by the presence of distinguished guests, including Kamal Roy and Nitya Mili, DDMs of NABARD, Kenge Loya, Circle Officer of Chongkham, Chau Athina Chauhai, CEO of NOSAAP, Yoshoda Moungkang, BMM, ArSRLM, and representatives from Kalong Kopili NGO, SHG members, among others.
The market sheds, equipped with storage rooms, office spaces, sanitary facilities, compost pits, and ample parking, were implemented by NOSAAP Producers Co. Ltd. in Alubari and NGO Kalong Kopili in Medo. The strategic positioning on the National Highway garnered praise from attendees, who expressed optimism about the positive impact on local sellers and buyers.
GM - NABARD, Damodar Mishra, expressed confidence in the success of the Rural Haats, acknowledging the collaborative efforts of stakeholders. He commended the completion of the project and envisioned a future where farmers embrace commercial agriculture, taking advantage of various government-sponsored schemes.
DDM Kamal Roy highlighted the Rural Haats' objective, providing a vital marketing platform for farmers and SHG members to sell their agricultural, horticultural, handloom, handicrafts, and livestock produce. The initiative aimed to alleviate marketing challenges faced by local farmers, vegetable growers, and women SHGs.
Circle Officer Kenge Loya thanked NABARD for its initiative and pledged full support from the administration side. BMM Yoshoda Moungkang congratulated SHGs in Alubari and sought additional support from NABARD for further SHG upliftment.
CEO NOSAAP, Chau Athina Chauhai, shared insights into the planning and execution of the Rural Haat, emphasizing its potential benefits for the local community.
DDM Nitya Mili highlighted the significance of the Medo Rural Haat in providing a conducive environment for farmers to sell their produce. The Haats are not just about selling produce; they are about building resilience. They provide a secure platform, eliminate marketing hurdles, and promote fresh, organic produce, benefitting both farmers and consumers.
Implementing agencies of both Rural Haats expressed gratitude to NABARD for sanctioning the welfare projects and assured their immense benefits for the farmers. Attendees, including SHGs, village heads, and progressive farmers, provided valuable feedback on agriculture practices and knowledge gaps while expressing appreciation for the establishment of the Rural Haats.