Panaji: Empowering women and encouraging women entrepreneurship while reviving the rural economy is one of the main purposes of this SARAS exhibition, stated Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant at the inaugural function of the ten-day event ‘Swayampurna Goa SARAS 2025,’ organized at Dariya Sangam, Campal, in Panaji on Thursday.
Goa State Rural Livelihood Mission (GSRLM), in collaboration with Swayampurna Goa – CSR Authority of Goa, has organized Swayampurna Goa SARAS 2025 from March 6 to 16, 2025, at Kala Academy and Dayanand Bandodkar Football Ground, Panaji.
Highlighting the objective behind organizing this mega event, the Chief Minister said this initiative by the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of Goa, aims to provide a platform for rural producers and artisans to showcase and market their products across various states in India. This initiative not only supports rural entrepreneurs but also spreads awareness among urban consumers about locally made, high-quality rural products. To encourage women entrepreneurship, the government has implemented various schemes, and the Chief Minister urged women to avail themselves of these benefits to become self-reliant.
Emphasizing the vision of the state government, the Chief Minister said that this year, the fair is being organized on a much larger scale and has been revamped to align with the vision of Swayampurna Goa. He added that the objective behind organizing such a large event is to empower rural artisans and entrepreneurs, especially women. The ten-day fair will provide an opportunity for women artisans to showcase and sell their handmade products, enabling them to earn money and become self-reliant.
Minister for Rural Development Govind Gaude, while addressing the gathering, said that the government intends to empower and encourage women entrepreneurs. The Swayampurna Goa SARAS 2025 promises to be an inspiring celebration of rural entrepreneurship, culture, and empowerment, offering visitors a unique experience of India’s traditional craftsmanship and local flavors, he stated.
The Minister further mentioned that the fair features a wide array of handmade products, including coconut shell crafts, jute bags, traditional Goan snacks, Kunbi sarees, home textiles, and home-stay products. A lucky draw for a two-wheeler will be conducted for customers who shop above ₹2,000 from a single stall. He also appreciated the enthusiastic participation of women in the fair.
This year, a total of 500 stalls have been set up, offering a wide variety of handcrafted products, food items, and traditional arts. Of these, 120 stalls have been allocated to Self-Help Groups (SHGs), providing them with an opportunity to showcase their unique crafts and traditional goods. Additionally, 205 stalls have been allotted to SHGs from within Goa, giving local artisans and entrepreneurs a strong platform to reach a larger audience. The remaining 149 stalls have been designated for artisans, departmental stalls, and other exhibitors, while 26 stalls have been exclusively set up as food stalls, providing visitors with a delightful culinary experience.
General Manager of NABARD Sandeep Dharkar, Project Director of DRDA South Dipali Naik, and others were present on the occasion. Earlier, Project Director of DRDA North Premraj Shirodkar welcomed the guests.
