Khadi trade fair doing brisk business in Belagavi

Asmite exhibition in Belagavi showcases Khadi, SHG products, handicrafts, and more, attracting huge crowds and sales.

Asmite, a mega exhibition and trade fair of Khadi and village industries products, handicrafts and products by women’s self-help groups (SHGs) is doing brisk business at the Sardar High School grounds in Belagavi.

MLA Asif (Raju) Sait and Zilla panchayat CEO Rahul Shinde went around the fair and spoke to women vendors. Mr. Sait appealed to the public to buy and support the products of women’s self-help groups and Khadi products. It was planned as part of Gandhi Bharata celebrations.

“The fair that started on December 26, is receiving a very good response from the public. It is introducing self-help groups and Khadi products to the people of Belagavi. Sales have crossed ₹ 1 crore in just four days. A total of ₹50.67 lakh worth of women’s SHG products and ₹50.06 lakh worht of Khadi products have been sold till now,” the MLA said.

“A total of 150 stalls have been set up, including 10 food fair stalls and 50 khadi product stalls. Entry is free for the public. The fair is open to the public from 10.30 a.m. to 9.30 p.m. every day till January 4. Women from SHGs from all districts of the state were participating with their products. Cultural programs is being organised on the fair stage from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.,” the MLA said.

“Such fairs are being organised at the Panchayat, all taluks, districts, divisions, state and national levels to help women gain access to markets,” Mr Shinde said.

He said unique products like wooden dolls from Channapatna, Kinnala toys from Koppal, Ilkal sarees, banana fiber products from Koppal, Chittara art products from Uttara Kannada, decorative lamps made of various designs from Chikkaballapur leather, Vijayanagara blankets and dhamaru, pearl necklaces from Raichur, Shivamogga manisaras, Bidar bidari, Sandur lambani products, Mysore inlay, Navalgund dhari and silk sarees, various innovative fabrics, various designs of bags and home decor items, heritage items, home appliances, innovative design jewelry, food products, etc. will be available to the public at affordable prices at the fair.

The fair also features Khadi shops from different states, including various districts of Karnataka. Products include blankets from Sankeshwar in Belagavi, jeans from Ballari, famous Khadi products from Gadag-Betageri, Jamkhandi, Dharwad, Vijayapura, Mysuru mats, Khadi fabrics from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, Kashmiri sarees, silk jackets, handicrafts from Andhra Pradesh, among others. Readymade garments of various designs are available in various sizes for people of all age groups.