SARAS Fair Begins At Exhibition Grounds

Women's Development and Child Welfare Minister Sunitha Laxma Reddy on Saturday claimed that the state government was providing all possible assistance to self-help groups across the state.

Speaking after inaugurating the SARAS (Sale of Articles of Rural Artisans’ Societies) Exhibition - 2012 at the Nampally Exhibition Grounds here, the minister said that the government has provided Rs. 1400 crores worth loans to the SHGs. Stating that the SARAS Exhibition was being conducted since 1999, she said that event was aimed at promoting the rural products besides providing them good marketing platforms to alienate poverty.

Addressing the gathering, NABARD DGM Sunil Kumar said that the NABARD was giving loans to hundreds of beneficiaries in rural areas. The SARAS CEO B Rajasekhar also spoke.

The SARAS Exhibition has been organised by the Union Ministry of Rural Development and the state government through the Department of Rural Development. The exhibition, which will continue till October 30, has been aimed at promoting products made by the rural craftsmen and artisans who come from different states of the country.

Nearly 300 stalls have kept different products from at least 15 states on display at the exhibition. The state of Andhra Pradesh is being represented by all the SHGs across the state .

The colorful dresses from Gujarat, the intricate chikan (hand embroidery) works of Uttar Pradesh, the soft silks of Karnataka, the Chanderi sarees of MP, the Ayurvedic products and handlooms from Kerala are also on display. From Andhra Pradesh, attracting handlooms of Pochampally, Venkatagiri, Gadwal, Narayanpet, Kalamkari, the beautiful handicrafts made with jute, coir, wood and metal, soft toys, Terrakota, leather goods and readymade garments are the major attractions. (INN)