KHONSA, 28 Aug: A self-help group (SHG) market was jointly inaugurated by Deputy Commissioner Badonlum Tawsik and Assistant Commissioner Longhi Naam at the DUDA vendor market here in Tirap district on Friday.

Retired deputy commissioner Techu Aran, Urban Development Executive Engineer Lienwang Hosai, KBWC secretary Wangthun Lokhow, and a total of 15 SHG vendors under the banner of the Nocte Mothers Federation (NMF) participated in the inaugural programme organised by the NMF.

Addressing the gathering, Tawsik iterated the importance of maintaining cleanliness and hygiene in and around the market. He urged the vendors and visitors to keep the market premises clean, and stressed the need for proper collection and disposal of garbage through the designated UD garbage collection vehicle.

The DC further encouraged the SHG vendors to bring fresh and organic produce directly from their respective farms and make them available at the market on a daily basis.

He stated that regular marketing of locally produced agricultural and organic products would provide better livelihood opportunities and significantly contribute towards supporting the vendors and their families.

Longhi Naam encouraged the SHG vendors to promote the concept of 'Vocal for Local' by producing, promoting and marketing locally made products to the maximum extent possible. He emphasised that promoting local products could help strengthen household income and create sustainable livelihood opportunities.

Speaking on the occasion, Hosai assured the SHG vendors of full cooperation from his department towards the smooth functioning and sustainability of the market. He urged the vendors to make the best use of the opportunity provided to them. He also advised them to maintain cleanliness in and around the market and ensure timely payment of the prescribed user fee.

Aran advised the SHG vendors to maintain reasonable and uniform pricing of their products, so that the market could remain sustainable in the long run.

NMF chairperson Nilom Wangsu expressed her gratitude to retired DC Techu Aran and the UD executive engineer for facilitating and allowing the SHG market to operate from the DUDA vendor market.

NMF president Chanon Mongwang also expressed her gratitude to all the dignitaries, officials, and SHG members for their presence and support in making the inauguration programme a success.

Dignitaries also inspected the various products displayed by the participating SHG vendors. (DIPRO)