Financial Daily from THE HINDU group of publications
Thursday, Nov 27, 2003
Financial Daily from THE HINDU group of publications Thursday, Nov 27, 2003 |
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Logistics
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Roadways Industry & Economy - Rural Development Marketing - Retailing Grameen bazaars to dot highways Gaurav Raghuvanshi
New Delhi , Nov. 26 CITY dwellers with a penchant for a piece of ethnic and rural India in their homes may soon find such collections in shops dotting the national highways and centres of historical interest. The Ministry of Rural Development is working on a proposal to set up permanent markets selling wares created by artisans from rural India across the country. The markets, modelled on the highly popular `Dilli Haat' in the Capital, will be located at important junctions along highways and places of historical or religious interest. "People are increasingly buying ethnic wares but cannot find quality stuff. On the other hand, we pump in crores of rupees in rural self-employment schemes and the artisans are unable to find a market. If our concept of `Grameen Bazaars' comes up, it would benefit both artisans and consumers," Mr Kashiram Rana, Minister for Rural Development, said. Speaking to Business Line, he said that a proposal to set up such markets with Central assistance was being prepared by the Ministry. State Governments would be required to provide land at important places, while the funds will come from the Centre. Depending on the need and local environment, the artisans will be allotted space on a rotation basis to sell their wares. Stating that the idea had come from the ongoing India International Trade Fair (IITF) in the Capital, Mr Rana said that the biggest stumbling block for rural artisans was marketing. The `Saras' exhibition and sale of rural produce at the IITF has seen sales of over Rs 2 crore so far and the figure was likely to go up to Rs 3 crore by November 27, when the fair closes. "Last year, we achieved a sales figure of Rs 1.75 crore and at least five times that amount of business in terms of future contracts was generated. This year, we have increased the number of shops, improved display, and I feel that the overall business will be much better," Mr Rana said.
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