HAILAKANDI, April 16: Union Minister of State for External Affairs and Culture Meenakshi Lekhi during her interaction with several Self-Help-Groups (SHGs) of Hailakandi suggested the diversification of various products of women SHGs to draw the attention of the market.
Lekhi stressed the need of marketing the locally made products of women. Union minister interacted with SHG members of Algapur Block at the office of the Progoti Cluster Level Federation. She also appreciated the activities of SHG members. The SHG members informed the Minister that besides non-farm activities they have taken some farm-related livelihood activities like chicken farming, duck farming, goat farming, agriculture and horticulture for their economic development.
Minister Lekhi suggested the SHG members to focus on the packaging of their products so that they can make space in this competitive market easily.
She also suggested focusing on the cost analysis of a product before fixing the price.
In another meeting, the Minister interacted with SHG members of the entire district at Hailakandi circuit house and during interacting she has given valuable suggestions and directions on product diversification, packaging, labeling, etc.
She, however, appreciated the efforts of the Panchayat and Rural Development Department as well as the District Administration for the development of SHG members in Hailakandi District. During the meetings, she was accompanied by the MPs of Silchar and Karimganj, Dr Rajdeep Roy and Kripanath Mallah, Hailakandi Deputy Commissioner Rohan Jha and top brass of all offices.
Later talking to the media, Union minister Lekhi informed that her visit to Hailakandi district is to streamline the developmental activities as one of the aspirational districts of the country. She appreciated the farmers for producing various crops and vegetables despite frequent rains in the state.
