Arunachal Pradesh: Rural Mart supported by NABARD inaugurated

The mart was inaugurated in the presence of NABARD DDM Mewang Lowang, officials of the district administration, bankers, PLF members, and others.

“The rural mart was sanctioned to the Yer Yerkum Primary Level Federation (PLF), comprising eight SHG groups of 80 members formed under the aegis of the Palin unit of the ArSRLM,” the NABARD informed in a release as quoted by The Arunachal Times.

The NABARD is providing grant assistance to cover the initial operational costs like rent and salary of salespersons, besides cost of promotion, and basic capital costs.

“This will help the SHG members who may be risk averse and lack financial capability to have a marketing outlet for their products,” the NABARD said.

The scheme is part of the marketing initiatives supported by the NABARD to enable producers to sell their farm and off-farm products at reasonable prices by avoiding involvement of intermediaries, monopoly and malpractices of established businesspersons, it added.

“It will serve as a link between the producers and the customers, thus aiding generation of additional income and employment at the grassroots level. The mart will provide employment and livelihood opportunities to many SHG members and families in the district,” it said.