Inauguration of Rural Haat and Credit Camp cum Financial Literacy Awareness Programme at Solungtoo Village, Namsai
Staff Reporter:
Namsai, 28.02.2024 - A significant step towards empowering rural communities and fostering economic growth was taken today with the inauguration of a Rural Haat and Credit Camp cum Financial Literacy Awareness Programme at Solungtoo village, Namsai.
The Rural Haat, funded by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) and implemented by the Arunachal State Rural Livelihoods Mission (ArSRLM) in collaboration with Puthikam Primary Level Federation (PLF), aims to provide a vital marketing platform for local farmers and SHGs members to sell their agricultural, horticultural, handloom, handicrafts, and livestock produce.
The inauguration ceremony, graced by the presence of the General Manager of NABARD, Damodar Mishra, witnessed the unveiling of market sheds equipped with storage rooms, office spaces, sanitary facilities, and compost pits. Positioned strategically on the National Highway, the Rural Haat garnered praise from attendees for its potential positive impact on SHGs, local sellers, and buyers alike.
In his opening speech, Kamal Roy, District Development Manager of NABARD, emphasized the Rural Haats' objective of alleviating marketing challenges faced by local farmers and SHGs. He also stressed the importance of financial literacy in navigating the rapidly changing economic landscape.
Ronald Dkhar Baghwar, Block Mission Manager of ArSRLM, expressed gratitude to NABARD for their support towards the Rural Haat project and highlighted various activities undertaken by ArSRLM in the district. He urged for continued support from NABARD to further uplift SHGs and enhance income generation activities.
Chau Athina Chauhai, CEO of Namsai Organic Spices & Agricultural Product Producer Co. Ltd. (NOSAAP), highlighted the implementation of the TDF project supported by NABARD for orchard-based wadi development. He emphasized the importance of post-harvest management and crop selection for better market linkages.
During the programme, six TDF beneficiaries received the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) loan from representatives of NABARD and Arunachal Pradesh Rural Bank. Joy Ram Pait, General Manager of Arunachal Pradesh Rural Bank, elaborated on various loan schemes available for rural development, with a special focus on KCC and associated interest rates.
Sanjoy Kumar Mishra, Deputy General Manager of NABARD, emphasized the timely credit support required by farmers for agricultural activities, underscoring the significance of KCC in providing financial assistance.
Khai Siamlal Guite, Deputy General Manager of NABARD, stressed the importance of credit linkage with banks for sustainable project development. He urged attendees to establish relationships with the State-supported Arunachal Pradesh Rural Bank for enhanced financial sustainability.
As the Chief Guest, GM of NABARD, Damodar Mishra, expressed confidence in the success of Rural Haats, lauding the collaborative efforts of stakeholders. He encouraged SHGs and farmers to embrace commercial agriculture and avail themselves of various government-sponsored schemes, emphasizing the importance of credit linkage with banks.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Wimala Chautang, President of Puthikam PLF, marking the beginning of a new era of rural development and economic empowerment in Solungtoo village, Namsai.