TURA: Over five thousand women from different villages in Garo Hills, representing hundreds of Self-Help Groups, will be exhibiting for sale various organic produce during the two day International Day for women that begins here at the P A Sangma Memorial stadium in Dakopgre on Thursday.
The 3rd All Garo Hills International Women’s day Programme is being organised for two days, for the first time, to encourage and give opportunity for the SHGs to showcase and sell their products to the large number of consumers expected to visit the venue grounds from Thursday onward.
According to Fr. Sunny Joseph Mavelil, Director and Secretary of Bakdil NGO which is hosting the two day event, a variety of food and other products made by the women SHGs are being brought over from the rural areas for the exhibition and sale.
Organic and locally cultivated turmeric to the tune of 1500 kgs, over 200 kgs chilli powder and as much as 1000 kg of dried and packed black pepper from Garo Hills would be on sale alongside local pumpkins and other vegetables.
“Local rice, particularly ‘Jaha’ and ‘Minil’ from Mangsanf region, brooms, organic coffee powder made in Garo Hills as well as traditionally prepared chicken pickle, tapioca and banana chips, organge squash will be among the many items people can buy at the exhibition,” said the Bakdil director.
The inaugural programme on Thursday is to be opened by Williamnagar MLA and government chief whip Marcuise N Marak while the Co-Chairman of Meghalaya State Planning Board and Raksamgre legislator Benedict Marak will be the guest of honour.
The Chairperson of Meghalaya State Women’s Commission, Theilin Phanbuh, will be the chief guest on Friday- International Women’s Day.
The two day event has been co-founded by MSRLS, Chief Minister’s Special Rural Development Programme with support from the National Bank for Agriculture and rural Development (NABARD), Meghalaya Rural Bank, Meghalaya State Women Commission and Tura Diocesan Women Commission.
Awards and mementos are to be presented to the best performing SHGs, women leaders and successful entrepreneurs.
