22 Rural Saras fairs to be organised in 2006-07

New Delhi, Sep 14 (UNI) The Rural Development Ministry is organising 22 Regional Saras Fairs across the country during the current financial year to provide a marketing outlet to the rural artisans.

This was stated by Rural Development Minister Raghuvansh Prasad Singh while visiting the Sawan Saras Fair 2006 at the Dilli Haat here today.

He said the decision came after an overwhelming response to these events. Dr. Singh said his Ministry proposed to organise workshops during the fair to upgrade the skill of the artisans to make it a complete marketing experience. The purpose of these workshops would be to hone the traditional skills of the artisans and help them to add value to their products with the help of technology to compete with the urban products.

The Regional Saras Fairs Sequence was started by the Ministry of Rural Development in 2003-04 when for the first time, six such fairs were organised all over the country resulting in sale of products worth Rs 6 crore.

In the following year 2004-05, 12 Regional Saras Fairs were organised in state capitals and major cities with a sale turnover of Rs 18 crore. During 2005-06, 21 Regional Saras Fairs were organised besides the Saras Fair at the India International Trade Fair involving an expenditure of Rs 4.35 crore while the total sales were to the tune of Rs 21.25 crore. About 8000 rural Swarozgaries have been benefitted so far.

The 14-day long fair at Dilli Haat from 12th September is part of the Regional Saras Fairs being organised to assist the SGSY rural artisans/beneficiaries in exhibiting and marketing their products.

About 500 artisans self-help groups from 23 States and CAPART were participating to whom 201 stalls have been allotted.

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