Metsubo Jamir urges collective efforts at Nagaland SARAS Fair 2026, highlighting SHGs, rural livelihoods and self-reliance.
Share
KOHIMA — Minister for Rural Development & SIRD, Metsubo Jamir on Thursday called for collective efforts to build a stronger, self-reliant and prosperous Nagaland.
The minister was addressing the inaugural programme of the Nagaland SARAS Fair 2026 held at Khuochiezie Local Ground in Kohima. The fair is being organised by the Nagaland State Rural Livelihoods Mission under the Department of Rural Development, Government of Nagaland.
Describing the SARAS Fair as a vibrant celebration of talent, hard work, culture, resilience and entrepreneurial spirit of rural communities, Jamir said the initiative goes beyond a marketplace.
“SARAS Fair is not a mere exhibition—it is a movement,” he said, adding that it empowers Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and rural artisans, strengthens livelihoods, and contributes to the vision of creating over 30,000 ‘Lakhpati Didis’ contributing to Atmanirbhar Bharat.
Also read: Nagaland projects INR 337 cr deficit budget despite INR 74 cr surplus
No LPG shortage in Nagaland, government urges public not to panic
He said the platform connects rural producers directly with markets, offering opportunities for wider and even global reach.
Highlighting the strengths of rural Nagaland, the minister said the state’s artisans and producers bring a diverse range of products- from organic food and eco-friendly innovations to hand-woven textiles and traditional crafts, each reflecting perseverance and creativity.
“These are not just products; they are symbols of rural identity and pride,” he said, adding that SARAS is helping convert traditional skills into sustainable livelihoods, generating employment and preserving cultural heritage.
Jamir noted that nearly 1.3 lakh SHG women form the backbone of rural transformation in the state. He said their sustained efforts over the years have enhanced household incomes while also shaping them into community leaders.
Referring to government initiatives, he said the state has announced operationalisation of a seed fund targeting 1,000 women entrepreneurs to promote women-led enterprises and strengthen economic self-sufficiency.
The minister also highlighted efforts in capacity building, financial inclusion, market linkages and skill development through various departments, and said over 9,000 youths have been skilled under the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana, contributing to employment generation.
Calling on citizens to support local products, Jamir said buying from SHGs means supporting livelihoods and investing in the future of rural communities.
On the occasion, the minister flagged off ‘Skills-on-Wheels’ and also distributed laptops and printers to 35 Business Correspondent (BC) Sakhis.
Earlier, Programme Manager, NSRLM, Selabeituo Theünuo, who chaired the programme, said SARAS stands for ‘Sale of Articles of Rural Artisans Society’ and informed that over 100 stalls have been set up, including six from outside the state, along with participation from partner departments, sponsors and SHGs from all 17 districts of Nagaland.