JAY JOSHI
Among other things, Goa has a huge market for art, craft and organic food. The state is also home to exhibitions such as Saras, Lokotsav, and farmers markets that sell organic produce, but most of these farmers markets seem to be concentrated in South Goa. Hence, the idea to hold an exhibition bringing the best products of artisans around Goa along with organic food right in the heart of the capital is certainly a good idea.
This is the thought that drove Tarang, a group of Goan women entrepreneurs to organise the Goan Farmers & Artisans Bazaar, which is set to take place today at Caculo Mall in Panaji.
“The purpose of Tarang is to encourage women entrepreneurs to create and market their own products, and the core strength of our group is artisans who create products from local material” informs Shweta Chari Kumar, co-founder of the group. “We work to encourage and promote entrepreneurial talent among women. On the other hand, we also realize that there is need to promote organic food in Goa. So, this venture helps achieve both the goals,” she explains.
Small entrepreneurs and businessmen have considerable business potential, but many a times face challenges from rise of online portals and shopping malls that will offer branded goods to people. “Such challenges is exactly the reason why we are undertaking this venture.” avers Kumar. “We hold flea markets to help small businesses. Exposure through social media can also help small businesses gain attention, but there will be a number of enquiries on social media, out of which very few will turn into customers. Participating in an exhibition is a better way because that way you gain direct customers,” says the entrepreneur.
Tarang group was formed in 2017. Apart from helping monetise original business ideas through various workshops and training programmes. the group also works to provide training to women in making various artefacts so that they can sustain themselves. Tarang has held flea markets across various cities around Goa including Mapusa, Ponda and Verna, and now the group, which has around a thousand members on Facebook and close to 200 on Whatsapp, plans to take the fairs to rural areas of Goa.
Kumar stresses that there is a lot of business opportunity in Goa, and we only need a keen eye to identify them. However, if the state itself has good opportunities, then how does one explain the sizeable number of Goans emmirating outside the state? The tearson for that is the lack of awareness, states Kumar.
“There are a number of incubation centres in Goa that can help young people set up businesses. Unfortunately, I have found that many youth who graduate from colleges or are studying in final year, are not aware about these facilities. Spreading this awareness is the need of the hour. While the students themselves should strive to gain more information, the incubation centres too need to put in more efforts into promoting themselves,” Kumar concludes.
