The Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India Limited is all set to hold a two-day tribal artisan mela in Negaland’s Wokha district from May 9 to identify new artisans and new products at the souring level.

Official statements

According to the officials, a meeting was held with NGOs, civil societies, entrepreneurs, the Wokha Chamber of Commerce and Industries and others at the deputy commissioner’s office to chalk out modalities for the smooth conduct of the mela.

While emphasizing on the main focus of the mela, the Wokha skill development officer, Anuranjan Singh said the mela will focus on expanding the tribal producers’ base and products of tribal origins of different communities of the northeastern states.

Moreover, it will also aim to empower individuals to become self-employed.

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What will be exhibited?

He said artisans can exhibit textiles and handloom, metal crafts, jewellery, organic food and paintings in the meal.

The officer also urged individuals belonging to the scheduled tribe, SHGs, societies, and farmer producer organisations to come up with sufficient samples of their products so that the selection committee can select the items/products and bring them within the ambit of the Supply Chain of Tribes India.

He also added that after the selection process, the products can be put in retail outlets, Singh said. Exhibitions of products will also be done and later put up in the E-commerce portal.

“This collaboration will go a long way in promoting tribal products and strengthening livelihood opportunities for tribal artisans of the district and the entire northeastern region,” he said.

The artisans are to produce ST certificates, Aadhar cards, PAN cards, bank passbooks and passport photos for registration.

(With Input Feeds)