A two-day fair Vatsalya Mela began at MG Marg in Gangtok on Saturday, to promote organic mission and skill development for sustainable livelihood of Self Help Groups (SHGs).
Organized by the State Social Welfare Board, AK Ghatani Health and IPR Minister attended the fair as Chief Guest.
A total of 20 SHGs from all over Sikkim have showcased their products like organic vegetables, organic drinks, pulses, pickles, eggs, flowers, candles, bags and sweaters at the fair.
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, Minister Ghatani said, “We need to focus on women empowerment, economic freedom over entrepreneurial development and self-employment. Thus, the State government has provided Self Help Groups (SHGs) concept. He added that self help group is a much needed initiative which will help in accelerating women entrepreneurship, women self employment and women empowerment. The minister also spoke about various issues regarding organic mission and said Sikkim has crossed many milestones of development under the leadership of Chief Minister Pawan Chamling. He called for collective participation while executing their responsibilities.”
Horticulture Secretary Khorlo Bhutia appreciated the efforts of SHGs in enhancing agricultural production in State. As Sikkim has now become an organic State the responsibility on the progressive farmers and SHGs is to ensure sustainability of food, vegetables production in the State. He also urged the farmers to take full advantage of the schemes, reports Sikkim Express.
State Social Welfare Board Chairperson Phurmit Lepcha urged the SHGs to work efficiently and help in promoting organic farming. She asked the women to empower themselves and grow with the need of the hour.
Gangtok mayor Shakti Singh Choudhary, Deputy Mayor Lassey Doma, Social Welfare secretary Sarala Rai, Horticulture director DK Bhandari, progressive farmers and senior officials of government departments were also present at the fair.