Ladakh’s Women SHGs Take Traditional Products to Wider Markets Through Saras Mela

Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena on Wednesday called for taking products made by women self-help groups (SHGs) in Ladakh to national and global markets as he inaugurated the Saras Mela at the Leh main market.

The fair, organised under the Ladakh Rural Livelihood Mission (LRLM), provides SHGs a platform for market access, enterprise development and showcasing traditional products from the region.

Saxena said the mela was aimed at promoting the creativity and entrepreneurial activities of Ladakh’s women and stressed the need to develop livelihood activities into market-oriented enterprises.

More than 16,000 women, 2,310 SHGs, 248 Village Organisations and 18 Cluster Level Federations are associated with the LRLM, according to Saxena. Women participating in the mission are involved in agriculture, livestock, food processing and handicrafts.

The LG emphasised connecting traditional skills, including weaving, wool work, handicrafts and local food products, with modern markets to create sustainable income opportunities.

Saxena said Ladakh currently has 385 Lakhpati Didis, while more than 3,000 additional women have the potential to join the initiative.

About ₹15 crore has been made available through the Revolving Fund and Community Investment Fund under the LRLM. Saxena urged women to use these resources to strengthen their livelihoods and expand their enterprises.

The LG also inspected stalls displaying products from different parts of Ladakh and interacted with artisans, entrepreneurs and SHG members during the event.

He also flagged off vehicles sponsored under the Ajeevika Grameen Express Yojana (AGEY).

The Saras Mela is part of efforts under the LRLM to provide women SHGs with opportunities to showcase their products and gain access to markets. The mission has brought together women’s groups and community-level organisations across Ladakh.

The fair also provides a platform for displaying the region’s traditional products and enabling SHG members to interact with visitors and potential buyers.

The event comes as the administration seeks to expand market opportunities for women engaged in traditional and other livelihood activities through the Ladakh Rural Livelihood Mission.