Sri Vijaya Puram: The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) is set to mark its 44th Foundation Day with a large-scale exhibition-cum-sale of Self Help Group (SHG) products at the ITF Ground on July 19 and 20. The two-day event aims to celebrate the institution’s four-decade legacy in rural development while spotlighting the role of community-led enterprises in driving inclusive growth in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
The exhibition will bring together over 100 SHGs and more than 40 individual artisans from across the Islands. The stalls will showcase a diverse collection of goods ranging from Geographical Indication (GI) tagged items and locally crafted seashell products to traditional textiles, processed food, organic produce, and sustainable innovations.
Positioned as both a market linkage platform and a public engagement event, the exhibition reflects NABARD’s ongoing mission to strengthen rural livelihoods. The bank’s approach, combining financial support with capacity building and skill development, has created a strong base for SHGs across the Islands to participate meaningfully in the local economy.
The upcoming exhibition is expected to draw a large footfall, particularly from city residents and tourists. Apart from being a commercial platform for SHGs, it is also designed to be an awareness campaign to promote the values of self-reliance, skill entrepreneurship, and grassroots financial inclusion.
Among the featured items, products with GI tags are likely to gain attention for their cultural and geographic uniqueness. In previous editions of such fairs, sea-shell crafts and indigenous food products have seen a strong response from both local buyers and visiting tourists, hinting at the growing potential of SHG-made goods as part of the Islands’ identity.
The event also aligns with NABARD’s national strategy to increase the market visibility of SHG products through both offline exhibitions and digital channels. Across India, the institution has supported similar fairs that have helped women-led and community-driven enterprises access new customers and revenue opportunities.
In the context of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, where geographic constraints often limit market access, events like this offer crucial exposure and direct-to-consumer interaction for rural producers. For many artisans and SHGs participating, this exhibition is more than just a sales opportunity, it is also a space to build confidence, learn from peers, and refine their understanding of customer preferences.
While the scale of the event is modest compared to metro-based expos, the regional significance is undeniable. NABARD officials have extended an open invitation to the public to attend, explore, and support the SHGs. The event is expected to attract stakeholders from microfinance, rural marketing, and development sectors, along with local entrepreneurs and institutions interested in promoting community products.
In a region where tourism plays a central role in the economy, SHG products with aesthetic appeal and local flavour also serve as sustainable souvenirs, creating crossover opportunities between rural livelihoods and the tourism industry.
With the spotlight on traditional skills and local material, the exhibition is not only a tribute to NABARD’s 44-year journey but also a reflection of the institution’s future goals, to empower communities by connecting them to expanding markets.
As the countdown begins, SHG members across the Islands are preparing their inventories, packaging designs, and product pitches. For two days, the ITF Ground will serve as more than just a venue, it will become a marketplace of stories, resilience, and the growing spirit of rural enterprise.
