Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today inaugurated the 10th Regional Sale of Articles of Rural Artisans Society (SARAS) Mela at Kashmir Haat here to showcase products made by rural craftsmen.
An initiative of the Union Rural Development Ministry, SARAS Mela will display products from 19 states of the country as well as all self-help groups from all the 22 districts of the state.
The Chief Minister went around the stalls and interacted with the craftsmen about the quality of their products, which include handicraft, handloom, food items, furniture and furnishing from all over the country.
"Exhibitions like SARAS provide a platform not only for direct sale of rural products but also sensitize artisans about new marketing tools and linkages," the Chief Minister said.
He said it also provides an opportunity to artisans and entrepreneurs from different states of the country to exchange ideas to improve the quality of products for better saleability.
"Fairs like SARAS also provide rural entrepreneurs opportunity for direct sale, without involvement of middlemen. The consumers also get benefited by buying products at much lower cost," Sayeed said, hoping the fair generates lot of interest amongst the people of the state.
