MP Governor Mangubhai Patel inaugurates Utsav organized by NABARD at Bhopal haat
- Visits the stalls of different states and interacts with the artisans
Governor Shri Mangubhai Patel has said that the Gramin Vikas Utsavis an effective platform for the promotion of artisans and famous products from across the country. Such events are playing a big role in the strengthening of rural economy and also the empowerment of women. Governor Shri Patel was addressing the programme of the launch of the Gramin Vikas Utsavorganized by NABARD at Bhopal haat. He launched the Gramin Vikas Utsav being organized from 19 to 27 November.
Governor Shri Patel congratulated NABARD for organizing the Utsav for the last 6 years to encourage artisans across the country and said NABARD should promote such events on a wide and intensive level. Governor Shri Patel also appealed to the local media to cooperate fully in promoting the products of the artisans of the country.
Governor Shri Patel said that NABARD is making important development efforts like micro entrepreneurship development programme, livelihood and entrepreneurship development programme and formation of non-agricultural producer organizations. It is contributing effectively to the strength and prosperity of the rural economy through development works of agriculture, cottage, rural and small scale industries and handicrafts. NABARD is also running several skill development schemes for women of self-help groups, artisans and members of farmer producer associations.
Governor Shri Patel said that the soul of our country resides in the villages. When the soul is strong then only the entire body i.e. our country will be strong, capable, and self-reliant. He described NABARD’s efforts to provide a respectable livelihood to rural youth through skill upgradation as a meaningful step towards strengthening the rural economy. Governor Shri Patel has launched initiatives like Rural Mart, Rural Haat and Rural Mart on Wheels for selling the products of trained rural farmers, women’s groups and farmer producer associations under the schemes. He said that in the era of digitalization, the role of self-help groups should be expanded to meet rural needs.
Governor Shri Patel reviewed the famous products of the country on the occasion of the inauguration of the Gramin Vikas Utsav. He interacted with artisans from different states and collected information regarding their products. Governor Shri Patel encouraged the artisans and also extended good wishes and congratulations.
NABARD General Manager Shri Qamar Javed welcomed Governor Shri Patel with a bouquet and presented him with a memento. The welcome address was given by Shri Sunil Kumar, Chief General Manager of NABARD. The programme was also addressed by RBI Regional Director Sushri Rekha Chandana Bedi, Chief General Manager of SBI Shri CS Sharma and Convenor of SLBC Shri Tarsem Singh Zira. Chairman of Madhya Pradesh Gramin Bank Shri R.C. Behera and Chairman of Madhyanchal Gramin Bank Shri Praveen Awasthi were also present in the programme.