HT Correspondent
YINGKIONG, June 30: In a significant effort to bolster rural entrepreneurship and empower women at the grassroots level, the Block Mission Management Unit (BMMU), Upper Siang, under the Arunachal State Rural Livelihoods Mission (ArSRLM), organised a one-day “Udyami Panjikaran Mela” at the premises of Pahu Jino Rural Mart in Yingkiong on Monday.
According to an official statement, the mela was aimed at registering Self Help Group (SHG) entrepreneurs and extending critical support including pop-up stalls, product registration, marketing advice, and on-the-spot Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) registration.
The event saw the participation of 47 SHGs affiliated with the Mori Bango Cluster Level Federation.
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Deputy Commissioner Talo Jerang graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. In his address, he underscored that the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM) is a transformative flagship programme of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, designed to uplift rural women through socio-economic empowerment.
He added that millions of women across the country have benefitted from NRLM and initiatives like ArSRLM are playing a crucial role in extending these benefits to the remotest areas.
Encouraging SHG members to aspire to become “Lakhpati Didis”—a government initiative focused on making rural women economically self-reliant—DC Jerang said financial assistance and skill development opportunities are available for women to pursue entrepreneurial ventures.
He also advocated for the formation of Farmers Producer Companies (FPCs), explaining how collective enterprise through multiple SHGs can enhance market visibility and improve profitability through streamlined marketing strategies.
In a notable development, DC Jerang informed the gathering about ongoing discussions with the Indian Army regarding the procurement and promotion of locally grown organic produce from Upper Siang’s SHGs and farmers.
He directed the Block Mission Unit to begin necessary processes to integrate local SHG products into this initiative, potentially opening new market avenues for rural producers.
Additional Deputy Commissioner Naatek Nonaag, District Horticulture Officer Oter Gao, and District Agriculture Officer Dana Moyong also addressed the gathering.
All three officials stressed the importance of moving away from chemical-intensive agriculture and adopting organic farming methods for better health and environmental outcomes.
They particularly warned against the use of harmful substances like Roundup and urged farmers to safeguard both consumer safety and soil health.
Food Safety Officer Karun Nobeng spoke about the crucial role of food certification in market acceptance. He provided guidance on FSSAI registration procedures and encouraged all SHG entrepreneurs to register their products to ensure food quality, hygiene, and consumer trust.
District Information and Public Relations Officer (DIPRO) Y Jerang praised the positive impact of ArSRLM on women across Upper Siang district.
She urged SHG members to remain proactive by participating in similar programmes in the future, which she said would help them stay informed about government welfare schemes tailored for women’s empowerment.
Earlier, Block Mission Manager Rani Doye delivered the welcome address and elaborated on the objectives of the Udyami Panjikaran Mela.
She said the event was part of a broader initiative to strengthen grassroots entrepreneurship and provide women with practical tools and platforms to scale up their economic activities.
The event was attended by former Adi Baane Kebang (ABK) President Tadum Libang, various Heads of Departments, administrative officers, SHG members, representatives from Cluster Level Federations, and members of the general public.
The mela concluded on a high note, with several participants expressing appreciation for the platform and committing to take forward the learnings and support received during the event.
