Staff reporter
Guwahati: The 3rd Cooperative Mela, 2024, started on December 13 and will conclude on December 15 at the Assam Engineering Institute (AEI) playground, Chandmari. The mela was inaugurated by state Cooperation Minister Jogen Mohan on Friday. The event showcases stalls featuring locally produced goods from the state and several northeastern states, with products on display for sale.
Minister Mohan, in his inaugural speech, said, "The mela is a testament to the preservation of the culture and traditions of our indigenous communities. Strengthening Assam's cooperative societies on a scientific basis will propel the state toward self-reliance."
Minister Mohan also highlighted the significance of the fair in promoting the unique cultural and traditional heritage of various communities. He emphasized that the local cooperative societies, by producing high-quality goods at affordable prices, have contributed significantly to improving livelihoods.
"The stalls will feature display of various ethnic products, including their colourful attire, ornaments, cuisine, and other decorative items," said the minister.
Minister Mohan further said, "The department has a pivotal role in building a prosperous and culturally enriched Assam. He stressed the need to revive and review the underperforming cooperative societies at the district level and also stressed the need to enhance inter-state relations through various cooperative initiatives. The minister also underlined the department's responsibilities in addressing unemployment and empowering women."
Assam has over 10,000 registered cooperative societies, which play a crucial role in the state's economic landscape.
This cooperative Mela aims to showcase the achievements and potential of the various rural artisans and members of the cooperative sectors across the state. It also aims to provide a large platform for showcasing and marketing their products and explore new avenues among various cooperatives within the state and beyond. Various cooperative societies from Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Nagaland are taking part in the mela.
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