The Hindu : Front Page : Barnala bowled over by `Uzhavar Sandhai'

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Wednesday, Sep 21, 2005

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Barnala bowled over by `Uzhavar Sandhai'

S.S. Kavitha

LEARNING IN THE BARGAIN: Governor Surjit Singh Barnala enquiring about the price of a snake gourd. — Photo: K. Ganesan

MADURAI: The `Uzhavar Sandhai' at Chinna Chokkikulam in the city had a rare visitor on Tuesday. It was the Governor, Surjit Singh Barnala, accompanied by his Secretary, C. K. Gariyali, who came calling in the morning. The Governor, following an interaction with farmers at the market started by the erstwhile Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam Government, insisted that "the `Uzhavar Sandhai' concept be encouraged since farmers were able to sell their produce without the interference of middlemen or brokers."

The Governor had a look at snake gourds and coriander leaves and enquired about the prices of vegetables in the market. Ms. Gariyali explained the features of the market to the Governor in English and Hindi.

It was a sudden spurt of energy on the market premises with an exuberant crowd, especially women traders, rushing to reach out to the Governor with shawls.

Earlier, the Governor, who visited 11 stalls put up by women self-help groups near the market, said SHG members would soon garner the export market too.

Inspecting the exhibits, he said the products had an `aesthetic appeal,' especially the terracotta articles such as `urilis,' lamps, Vinayaka idols in different postures and fur toys.

Expressing satisfaction over the growth of SHGs, he said the products were so good and spoke for the group members, their training and hard work.

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