Bihars Sarso Mela: Empowering Women Entrepreneurs Through Market Access and Online Opportunities

Patna, September 24 (Daily Kiran) : The Bihar Sarso Mela is proving to be more than just a marketplace for rural women entrepreneurs; it is a vital platform for enhancing branding and online business opportunities. Currently underway at Gyan Bhawan in Patna, the fair offers daily buyer-seller dialogues aimed at guiding participants on product development, quality improvement, and accessing national markets.

Organized by the Bihar Rural Development Department, the Sarso Mela will run until September 29. Women entrepreneurs from various states, including Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Gujarat, are showcasing a diverse range of products such as apparel, handicrafts, kitchen items, and traditional foods.

During a recent buyer-seller dialogue held at Gyan Bhawan, market experts and representatives from major companies discussed key topics including product quality, packaging, labeling, branding, GST implications, and the potential for online sales and exports. They emphasized the importance of understanding market demands to enhance product appeal and expand sales through better packaging.

For the first time, company representatives were invited to engage with the entrepreneurs at the fair, exploring opportunities to connect them with online marketplaces. Plans are underway for potential collaborations between the Bihar Livelihoods Promotion Society (Jeevika) and participating companies, with the possibility of signing memorandums of understanding (MOUs).

Sales figures are on the rise, with transactions exceeding one crore rupees within just four days. On Wednesday alone, sales reached over 30.48 lakh rupees, attracting more than 28,000 visitors.

One highlight of the event is the stall of Pushpa Devi from Churu district in Rajasthan, who has sold over 2.5 lakh rupees worth of kitchen products made from iron. On September 23, her stall alone generated sales exceeding 82,000 rupees.

The fair also features digital payment options and customer service centers, making it a comprehensive platform that not only markets rural women’s products but also opens doors to new business possibilities and modern marketing strategies.