Port Blair, March 21: As a part of International Women’s Day 2023, NABARD, A&N RO organised two days Exhibition-cum-Sale of SHG products on 18-19 March 2023 at Marina Park. The event was inaugurated by Ms Vedita Reddy, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, South Andaman and Secretary (RD/Panch/PRI) on 18 March 2023 at 5.30 pm. Shri Dilkhush Meena, IAS, Additional District Magistrate and Shri H Manoj, GM/OIC, NABARD were also present on the occasion. Around 85 SHGs displayed their products which included coir & coconut shell handicrafts, beauty corner, virgin coconut oil, honey, macrame products, food stalls, handmade paper & thread jewellery, soft toys, plant nursery, mehandi art, cane & bamboo handicrafts, jute bags etc.

As a part of the International year of Millets, NABARD had put up a stall displaying varieties of popular Millets and distributed informative flyers on health benefits of Millets to the general public.

Further, NABARD set up a stall displaying seven products viz., Andaman King Coconut, Nicobari Hut, Padauk Handicrafts, Nicobari Hodi, Traditionally produced Virgin Coconut Oil, Andaman Black Rice etc., in respect of whom Geographical Indication tag applications have been filed with assistance from NABARD and accepted by the GI Registry. 

On 18 March 2023, an awareness programme on Solid Waste Management and recycling of plastic waste into aesthetically designed show pieces was conducted by the 3R team of Port Blair Municipal Council. On the concluding day i.e on 19th March DARPAN, an Art & Cultural group presented a skit on the importance of SHGs in Women Empowerment.

The Mela, drew an overwhelming response from tourists as well as general public, clocking an estimated sale of over Rs. 3.00 lakhs for the SHGs.