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Patna. The government has started an important initiative to provide a bigger market to the skills of rural women of Bihar and the products made by them. Seven International Jeevika Haat Marts will be developed in the state to make the products of women associated with Jeevika self-help groups available to tourists from India and abroad.

In the first phase, places have been identified for this in Vaishali, Bodhgaya, Rajgir, Nalanda, Pawapuri, Kesariya and Bhagalpur. There are plans to develop these centers around major tourist destinations, so that tourists visiting here can directly buy local products.

Local products will get a new market

In these haat marts, handicrafts, food items, traditional items and products to local art prepared by women of self-help groups will be available for sale. This will give tourists an opportunity to get acquainted with the rural culture and products of Bihar.

The government plans to develop these centers not like normal markets, but as modern and air-conditioned experience centres. Here, along with the products, the process of preparing them and success stories of women groups can also be displayed.

Tourism and women employment will get a boost

A large number of tourists visit places like Bodhgaya, Rajgir, Nalanda and Pawapuri. Kesariya is a major tourist destination and Bhagalpur is famous for silk and handicrafts. In such a situation, by building Haat Marts at these places, local products can get wider customers.

It is estimated that around Rs 5 to 7 crore will be spent per Haat Mart. For this, the state government is also preparing to seek cooperation from the Centre. Sales of products are expected to increase due to better packaging, branding and marketing. With this initiative, Jeevika Didis can increase their earnings and get a better market for their products.