Sri Vijaya Puram, May 4: In a significant initiative to promote rural entrepreneurship, a ‘SHG Hunar Haat – Celebrating Rural Skills and Indigenous Tribal Spirit’ was organized on May 2, 2026, at Kamorta under the Nancowry Block, drawing enthusiastic participation from Self-Help Group (SHG) women across the region.
The event served as a vibrant platform for rural women from Kamorta and Nancowry Islands to showcase and market their locally produced goods. A wide range of products, including traditional food items, wooden crafts, handmade cutlery, and other indigenous items, were displayed, reflecting the rich cultural heritage and craftsmanship of the Nicobar region.
Organized under the aegis of the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihood Mission, the Hunar Haat aimed to enhance market access, boost income opportunities, and support sustainable livelihoods for women entrepreneurs at the grassroots level.
Inaugurating the event, Dr. Kshitij Gyanraj, Assistant Commissioner of Nancowry, lauded the SHG members for their dedication in preserving traditional skills while contributing to local economic development. He emphasized the importance of such initiatives in empowering women and strengthening rural economies.
The exhibition witnessed active engagement from local residents, officials, and community members, creating a lively marketplace atmosphere. Visitors showed keen interest in the authenticity and uniqueness of the products, leading to encouraging sales figures.
A key highlight of the event was the strong public response, which translated into total sales exceeding ₹25,000 in a single day. This achievement underscores the increasing demand for locally made, culturally rooted products and reflects the growing support for rural artisans in the islands.
Officials noted that events like Hunar Haat not only provide direct economic benefits to SHG members but also foster confidence among women entrepreneurs, enabling them to explore broader markets. The platform also encourages the preservation of indigenous knowledge and traditional craftsmanship that define the identity of the Nicobar Islands.
The administration reiterated its commitment to promoting inclusive growth by supporting SHGs through training, financial assistance, and marketing opportunities. With the success of this event, more such initiatives are expected to be organized in the future to further strengthen rural livelihoods and empower women across the region.
The SHG Hunar Haat in Kamorta stands as a testament to the resilience, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit of rural women, paving the way for sustainable development and community-driven economic progress in the Nicobar Islands.
