Rural Development Festival, an effective platform for promotion of products and artisans: Governor Mangubhai Patel
The Governor inaugurated the festival organized by NABARD at Bhopal Hot
-Observed stalls from different states and interacted with artisans
Bhopal : Governor Mangubhai Patel has said that Rural Development Festival is an effective platform for promotion of artisans and famous products from across the country. Such events are playing a big role in women empowerment along with rural economy. Governor Patel was addressing the inauguration program of Rural Development Festival organized by NABARD at Bhopal Hot Bazaar. He inaugurated the Rural Development Festival being organized from 19 to 27 November by cutting the ribbon.
Governor Patel congratulated NABARD for organizing the festival for the promotion of artisans across the country for the last 6 years. He said that NABARD should promote such events on a wide and intensive level. Governor Patel also appealed to the local media to cooperate fully in promoting the products of the artisans of the country.
Governor Patel said that NABARD is making important efforts for development like Micro Entrepreneurship Development Programme, Livelihood and Entrepreneurship Development Programme and formation of Non-Agricultural Producer Organizations. It is effectively contributing to the strengthening and prosperity of the rural economy through developmental works in agriculture, cottage, rural and small industries and handicrafts. NABARD is also running several skill development schemes for women of self-help groups, handicraftsmen and members of Farmer Producer Associations.
Governor Patel said that the soul of our country resides in the villages. Only when the soul is strong, the whole body i.e. our country will be strong, capable and self-reliant. He described NABARD’s efforts to get respectable livelihood through skill upgradation of rural youth and a meaningful step towards strengthening the rural economy. Governor Patel also praised NABARD for initiatives like Rural Mart, Rural Haat and Rural Mart on Wheels for selling the products of rural farmers, women’s groups and Farmer Producer Associations trained in the schemes. He said that in the era of digitalization, the role of self-help groups should be expanded to meet rural needs.
Governor Patel observed the famous products of the country on the occasion of the inauguration of Rural Development Festival. He interacted with artisans from different states and took information about their products. Governor Patel encouraged the artisans and also wished them and congratulated them.
General Manager of NABARD Qamar Javed welcomed Governor Patel with a bouquet and presented a memento. Chief General Manager of NABARD Sunil Kumar delivered the welcome address. The program was also addressed by Regional Director of RBI Ms. Rekha Chandana Bedi, Chief General Manager of SBI CS Sharma and Convenor of SLBC Narsim Singh Jeera. Chairman of Madhya Pradesh Gramin Bank RC Behera and Chairman of Madhyanchal Gramin Bank Praveen Awasthi were present in the program.
