Archive · 6 Oct 2026
Naidu Targets Five Lakh Women Entrepreneurs Across Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh wants to help five lakh women start and grow businesses.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu asked officials to support women in Self-Help Groups.
The plan includes loans, training, mentors and help finding customers.
A shared brand called Swayam AP will bring many women’s products together.
Officials say the products will be sold online and in signature stores.
Women may also be encouraged to start franchises.
The National Saras Mela will show products made by women from across the country.
It is scheduled to take place in Vijayawada from October 15 to 31, 2026.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu set a target of creating five lakh women entrepreneurs across Andhra Pradesh.
He directed SERP and MEPMA to support Self-Help Group members and promote DWCRA products through the Swayam AP brand.
Plans include standardised product quality, modern packaging, e-commerce, signature stores, training, loans and mentorship.
Officials said the programme includes Rs. 68,585 crore in loans and an entrepreneurship plan involving more than 60 organisations.
The National Saras Mela is scheduled for October 15–31, 2026, in Vijayawada, with about 600 stalls and President Droupadi Murmu set to inaugurate it.
- Who
- Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, officials, and women entrepreneurs, including Self-Help Group members.
- What
- A programme targeting five lakh women entrepreneurs, with business, financial and marketing support.
- When
- Naidu reviewed the programmes on Sunday; the National Saras Mela is scheduled for October 15–31, 2026.
- Where
- Andhra Pradesh; the National Saras Mela will be held in Vijayawada.
- Why
- To economically empower Self-Help Group members and help women-owned businesses reach wider markets.
- Entrepreneurship target
- Five lakh women entrepreneurs across Andhra Pradesh
- Planned loan support
- Rs. 68,585 crore in loans as part of the programme
- Stree Nidhi lending
- Rs. 4,800 crore in loans to 4.73 lakh women, according to officials
- Products made by SHG women
- More than 23,000 products across food, handicrafts, textiles and other sectors
- National Saras Mela
- Scheduled for October 15–31, 2026, in Vijayawada
- Expected mela participation
- Around 600 stalls and nearly one lakh visitors per day
- Swayam AP sales
- Sales through signature stores and Flipkart are scheduled to begin October 15
