Staff Reporter
DIMAPUR, NOV 11 (NPN): Saras Mela 2026, organised by the Nagaland State Rural Livelihoods Mission (NSRLM) under the aegis of the Department of Rural Development, commenced on Wednesday at the Dimapur District Sports Council (DDSC) Stadium.
The six-day mela, aimed at providing a marketing platform and establishing market linkages for Self-Help Groups (SHGs) across the state, was inaugurated by Commissioner & Secretary, Rural Development, Thavaseelan K.
Speaking exclusively to Nagaland Post, State Programme Manager (SPM), Non-Farm Livelihoods, NSRLM, A. Tiasenba Longchar, said the mela was intended to create opportunities for SHGs to showcase and market their products while facilitating direct interaction between buyers and sellers.
He informed that a total of 50 stalls had been set up, representing SHGs and entrepreneurs from all 17 districts of Nagaland. Of these, 36 stalls have been dedicated to handloom, handicrafts, agricultural produce and non-timber forest products (NTFPs), while the remaining 14 stalls are live food stalls.
Longchar further informed that the mela features participation from four guest states, namely Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Sikkim, showcasing their culture, crafts and traditional products.
He said the event had also brought together various government departments, including Land Resources, Cooperation, Industries & Commerce, and Tourism, to provide information and facilitate access to relevant services.
In addition, banking institutions, including the State Bank of India (SBI) and Canara Bank, have set up stalls to assist farmers and SHGs with financial services, funding opportunities and credit linkages.
Apart from providing a platform for marketing and promotion, the mela will feature daily workshops on subjects such as pottery, customer service and entrepreneurship, aimed at enhancing the skills and capacities of participants.
A dedicated children’s play zone has also been arranged as part of the event to provide additional attractions for visiting families.
The mela will remain open to the public daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. until November 16.