HYDERABAD: Soon the small cottage industries and self-help groups’ (SHGs) products in the state would get access to wider international market if the plans of the IT department to use Facebook for the purpose fructify.
The state government’s IT department has tied up with Facebook India to train SHG women in basics of Facebook platform, and the various features of the platform to help them market their products by creating Facebook pages.
The pilot programme launched with 10 SHG women on Friday, were given a step-by-step walk through of Facebook Page creation and also some tips on posting engaging content at Facebook office in the city. Once successful, the programme would be extended.
“The idea is to help rural folk enjoy the benefits of internet. We have shortlisted some products for the purpose, which will have international buyers,” director of Digital Media Dileep Kontham, who is overseeing the programme, told Express.
After creating the Facebook page, the team at the Facebook India will monitor those pages until SHG women get acquainted with the usage.
It may be noted that the IT department has already tied up with e-commerce facility Amazon to provide marketing space for indigenous products like Hyderabad Bidri craft, Nirmal toys, Pochampally handicrafts among others.
Speaking about the programme Ritesh Mehta, head of Economic Growth Initiatives for Facebook India said, “This programme is a part of our continued investment in businesses, developers and the 132 million people who use Facebook in India. These events, which we are rolling out nationwide, will help entrepreneurs in rural India reach new customers and ultimately grow.”