Date:05/01/2009 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2009/01/05/stories/2009010557110800.htm

Tamil Nadu

SHG expo inaugurated in Pudukottai

Staff Reporter

WORKMANSHIP: Collector Reeta Harish Thakkar looking at the products made by the women self-help groups at Pudukottai.

PUDUKOTTAI: With a view to providing marketing facility to the products being made by the self-help groups, a special exhibition has been organised at the public office campus in the town.

In all, 12 stalls have been put up by 20 self-help groups from different parts of the district. Sponsored by District Supply and Marketing Society (DSMS), the stalls provide ample opportunities to the visitors to purchase goods of their choice.

Eye-catching handicrafts, terracotta wares and readymade garments are sure to attract the visitors. “We have also provided separate stalls for SHGs involved in horticultural activities. Nurseries of ornamental plants, shade trees and fruit-bearing species are available for sale,” says S. Sathyaseelan, DSMS secretary. Herbal products are yet another attraction.

With value-addition being the watchword for the SHGs, several women have adopted various techniques to boost their sales. Value added products in cashew and palm-leaves are some of the attractive exhibits.

A row of stalls with Chettinad dishes and other mouth-watering snacks can help get rid of hunger.

With ‘Pongal’ festival round the corner, the scope for marketing the SHG products are ample. The saris, with meticulous embroidery work, are much sought-after.

Collector Reeta Harish Thakkar inaugurated the exhibition which is open from 4 p.m. daily till ‘Pongal’ festival.