**Agartala, September 21:** Two women entrepreneurs from South Tripura are showcasing the state’s handicrafts at the Karnataka Saras Fair 2026, bringing products developed through the Self-Help Group (SHG) network to a national platform.
The participants, associated with Poangbari BMMU, are displaying a variety of handcrafted products at the fair, which is being held in Karnataka from September 9 to 27. Their exhibits reflect Tripura’s traditional craftsmanship and distinctive cultural heritage.
The national exhibition has provided the women with an opportunity to directly interact with customers and buyers from outside the state. Such interactions are helping them gain exposure to wider consumer preferences and explore potential markets for their products.
The Tripura Rural Livelihood Mission (TRLM) has been facilitating participation in national-level exhibitions as part of efforts to improve market access for SHG products. Officials said these platforms can help rural women establish business contacts, promote their products and develop greater confidence as entrepreneurs.
The Karnataka Saras Fair brings together rural producers, artisans and SHG members from different parts of India, creating a common marketplace for traditional and locally produced goods.
For the Tripura participants, the event also serves as a platform to introduce the state’s craftsmanship to a wider audience and highlight the skills developed through community-based livelihood programmes.
Officials said improved market linkages can contribute to stronger and more sustainable livelihoods for rural women by creating opportunities to increase sales and expand SHG enterprises.
The Tripura stall has attracted visitors who have shown interest in the products, particularly their distinctive designs and traditional craftsmanship.
Besides commercial opportunities, such exhibitions provide scope for cultural interaction as artisans from different regions present their traditional products and techniques to visitors from across the country.
The participation of the two SHG members reflects efforts to connect rural producers from Tripura with national markets while creating greater visibility for the state’s handicrafts and women-led enterprises.
