JAMMU, Sept 26: A week-long All India Crafts-Art Mela – “Gramya 2022” commenced today at Kala Kendra, Bikram Chowk, Jammu.

Organized by NABARD, Jammu and Kashmir Regional Office, the Exhibition was inaugurated by Dr Ajay K Sood, Chief General Manager (CGM) of NABARD, J&K in the presence of eminent artists and sculptures of J&K.

The inaugural ceremony was attended by 150 artisans from different parts of the country. This type of National Exhibition is being organized by NABARD in Jammu for the first time wherein artisans and craftsmen from across the country will showcase and sell their handloom and handicraft products. The Exhibition will be open for general public from 10:30 am to 8: 30 PM every day till October 2.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Ajay K Sood opined that the Exhibition will provide a platform to the artisans of J&K and other states to display and sell their products. He said the Exhibition will provide a suitable opportunity to SHGs/Artisans/FPOs/OFPOs to showcase their products, understand customer preferences, learn new marketing skills as well as develop a customer base.

General Manager, NABARD J&K, Sandeep Sharma, further informed the gathering that 65 stalls from 18 states across the country are being displayed in the premises of Kala Kendra. He said 55 stalls are managed by artisans from outside the state.

Speaking on the occasion, Anamika (DGM, NABARD, J&K) informed that the Gramya Mela is featuring some of the exclusive products like Tussar silk sarees from Jharkhand, Jaipuri quilts and Charma juttis from Rajasthan, Chikankari from Uttar Pradesh, world famous Mithila and Madhubani paintings from Bihar, etc. “Some of the local products from J&K i.e. Basohli pashmina, Kashmiri carpet and Organic haldi, Honey, etc. will also displayed in the exhibition. The shopkeepers of Jammu can directly contact the artisans and craftsmen visiting this fair and can buy and sell their exclusive products in Jammu through tie up arrangement,” she added.