Bamboo artisans and members of self-help groups (SHGs) from different parts of West Tripura are gaining additional income opportunities through their active participation in local fairs, according to officials and organisers. These fairs have emerged as effective platforms for artisans and producer groups to directly market their products and connect with consumers.
At the Chira-Muri Utsav and Children’s Fair, organised by the Vivekananda Memorial Trust of Sekerkote, bamboo jewellery makers associated with Arkaneer have set up stalls to showcase their creations. Artisans from Sekerkote and South Charilam, including Rupali Sarkar and Rakhi Das Podder, are displaying bamboo jewellery crafted after receiving training from the NB Institute for Rural Technology (NBIRT). The fair, which commenced on January 16, is being held at the PM SHRI Sekerkote Higher Secondary School premises and will continue until January 18.
Officials said that self-help groups supported under NBIRT’s Business Innovation Centre are also participating in the fair, offering a range of bamboo-based products such as torch lights and foot lamps. In addition, beneficiaries who received solar hybrid dryers are using the platform to sell value-added products. Among them are lemongrass cultivators who are attracting visitors with stalls selling lemongrass oil.
Representatives of Arkaneer noted that winter fairs have become increasingly important avenues for artisans to supplement their regular income. The ongoing festival marks the second consecutive year of the initiative jointly organised by the Vivekananda Memorial Trust and V.S.T.
Meanwhile, another major event, the Pitha-Puli Mela, began on January 16 at the Ballabhpur School ground in Amtali. The mela, held alongside a children’s fair and a week-long rural cultural competition, features participation from beneficiaries under the SUNIL project of the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India. These groups are selling food and spice products processed using hybrid solar dryers supplied through NBIRT.
Members of the “Om Namah Shivay” group are offering powdered spices and other items. The group’s president, Ranjuli Sinha, said visitors—especially women—have shown keen interest due to the hygienic preparation of the products. Officials said participation in multiple fairs has increased both workload and income prospects for the groups involved.
