Khonsa, June 26: The ArSRLM Udyami Panjikaran Mela was successfully organized at Khonsa headquarters on June 24, bringing together self-help group (SHG) entrepreneurs from four blocks—Khonsa, Dadam, Lazu, and Bari-Basip. The event, held under the Arunachal State Rural Livelihoods Mission (ArSRLM), aimed to facilitate enterprise registration and promote rural entrepreneurship in the district.
Deputy Commissioner of Tirap, Techu Aran, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. In his address, he encouraged SHG members to focus on appropriate pricing of their products and to identify items suitable for markets beyond the district. Stressing the importance of quality, he noted that high competition requires products to meet market standards to succeed.
The event saw the participation of several key officials, including EACs of GA, Borduria, and Bari-Basip, the District Horticulture Officer (DHO), District Veterinary Officer (DVO), ZPM Kapu Block Smt Wiram Matey, GPCs of Dadam and Bera, and the District Mission Manager, Khonsa (TCL). Their presence added weight to the programme, reflecting the collaborative effort to strengthen the SHG ecosystem.
ZPM Wiram Matey shared her inspiring journey from being an SHG member to becoming a Zilla Parishad Member. She highlighted the significant transformation of SHGs from being relatively inactive in the past to becoming key agents of rural development today.
Speaking on the agricultural front, the District Horticulture Officer highlighted the economic potential of asparagus cultivation, noting that the plant can yield profitable returns within two years. He assured support for SHGs interested in this venture, especially in sourcing quality saplings.
The District Veterinary Officer, Dr. Arfila Tingkhatra, urged SHGs to consider livestock rearing as a sustainable livelihood option. She assured departmental assistance through training programmes and vaccination support, adding that her office would work in close coordination with ArSRLM for convergence initiatives.
Enterprise registration during the mela received an enthusiastic response. From Khonsa and Bari-Basip blocks, 18 enterprises with 34 products were registered. Dadam block saw the registration of 24 enterprises with 28 products, while Lazu block recorded 16 enterprises with 29 products.
The mela concluded on a positive note, marking a significant step forward in empowering rural entrepreneurs and furthering the mission of inclusive development in Tirap district. (DIPRO)
