The women entrepreneurs urged to focus on attractive and quality packaging in SARAS Mela

Visitors view products at a stall at the ongoing National SARAS Mela–2026 at Punnami Ghat in Vijayawada. | Photo credit: GN RAO

Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Nimuben Jayantibhai Bambhaniya visited the national SARAS Mela-2026 in Vijayawada on Saturday.

Interacting with women entrepreneurs from various Self Help Groups (SHGs), the Minister of State learned about their handicrafts, business activities and experience in manufacturing and marketing their goods. She emphasized the importance of product presentation and urged businesswomen to focus on attractive and quality packaging, noting that improved packaging can increase product appeal, attract customers and help increase sales.

Addressing the gathering after the interaction, Ms. Bambhaniya highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision in empowering Lakhpati Didis and empowering rural women to become financially independent and self-reliant. She appreciated the transformation of SHG women from wage workers to entrepreneurs creating livelihood opportunities and generating employment for others.

The minister expressed confidence that holding the event in Vijayawada will encourage wider participation of states in future editions and create greater opportunities for women-led businesses across the country. Later, the minister toured the exhibition stalls, viewed the products displayed by women SHGs from various states and encouraged the participating women entrepreneurs.

According to information from the AP State Rural Livelihoods Mission, the mela recorded a cumulative revenue of ₹ 7.17 crore from October 15 to 23, with 2.77 million products sold.

Published – 24 October 2026 23:45 IST