Minister of State for Rural Development Dr Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar said the National Saras Aajeevika Mela-2026 will provide a national-level marketing platform for women Self-Help Groups, rural artisans and women entrepreneurs. Speaking after reviewing arrangements at Punnami Ghat, Vijayawada, the Minister said the Mela will be held from October 8 to 22 with around 600 stalls. About 2,500 participants from across the country are expected to showcase and sell handloom, handicraft, food and other rural products.

Dr. Pemmasani said the Mela will facilitate branding, market linkages and direct sales of SHG products. State MSME Minister Kondapalli Srinivas said the event would provide wider marketing opportunities for SHG products from Andhra Pradesh. He said the State would promote the ‘Swayam AP’ brand for products made by SHGs and rural artisans. Officials have been directed to ensure proper security, traffic, parking, drinking water, sanitation, power supply, medical and fire-safety arrangements.