Namsai/Wakro, Apr 10: National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) inaugurated two Rural Haats at 2nd Mile, Namsai and Wakro in Lohit district in a bid to strengthen rural livelihoods and improve market access for farmers and Self-Help Groups (SHGs).
The haats have been established with NABARD’s support and implemented by NOSAAP Producer Company and Rumai Primary Level Federation of SHGs under the aegis of the Arunachal State Rural Livelihoods Mission (ArSRLM).
The twin inaugurations were led by S V Ranga Rao, General Manager, NABARD Arunachal Pradesh, in the presence of Kamal Roy, AGM (District Development), along with officials from ArSRLM, banking institutions, SHGs, farmers, and other stakeholders.
At Namsai, the haat is envisioned as a marketplace for local farmers and SHGs. Chau Athina Chauhai highlighted ongoing initiatives in farm and off-farm sectors, while Ronald Dakhar Baghwar elaborated on SHG-led livelihood activities.
An innovative feature of the programme was the introduction of low-cost “Sabji Coolers,” developed by IIT Bombay, which function without electricity. Three such units were distributed to SHG beneficiaries to reduce post-harvest losses.
At Wakro, the second Rural Haat provides SHGs with a dedicated marketing platform along with office space for federation activities. Kenri Bagra expressed gratitude to NABARD for enabling better income opportunities.
Officials highlighted the importance of financial inclusion, value addition, and enterprise development, while representatives from State Bank of India assured continued support for SHG credit linkage.
The programme also included distribution of bamboo saplings through the Industries Foundation in collaboration with ArSRLM to promote bamboo-based livelihoods.
In his address, Ranga Rao encouraged SHG members to actively engage in enterprise development and leverage NABARD’s SHG-Bank Linkage Programme.
The establishment of these Rural Haats is expected to enhance market infrastructure, promote entrepreneurship, and boost income opportunities for rural communities across Namsai and Lohit districts.