The Manipur State Rural Livelihoods Mission (MSRLM), under the Department of Rural Development & Panchayati Raj, launched the state’s first-ever ‘Rural Roots Market’ on Monday at the Leimapokpam Makha Leikai Community Hall in Nambol, Bishnupur district.Organised by the Senmitlon Sinnai Village Level Federation (VLF), the event drew large crowds from surrounding communities and marked a milestone in promoting direct market access for rural women. The initiative aims to connect Self-Help Group (SHG) members directly with consumers, eliminating middlemen and enabling producers to earn fair prices for their goods.The marketplace bustled with colourful displays of handloom products, handicrafts, jute items, fresh vegetables, local delicacies, and handmade garments, all made and marketed by women entrepreneurs from various SHGs. Customers were not only drawn to the authenticity of the products but also moved by the stories behind them.
Speaking as Chief Guest, N. Bandana Devi, Secretary of Skill, Labour, Employment & Entrepreneurship and State Mission Director of MSRLM, hailed the launch as a “dream turned into reality.” She highlighted how such platforms allow SHG members to engage directly with buyers, understand consumer preferences, and tailor their offerings. “This is not just a market—it’s an opportunity to learn, earn, and grow,” she said.Calling MSRLM a “silent revolution,” Bandana Devi underlined the Mission’s role in transforming lives, especially among vulnerable women, by giving them financial agency and building community resilience. “Empowering women at the grassroots level builds stronger families and stronger societies,” she remarked.She also proposed that such markets be organised regularly—preferably once a month and in high-footfall zones like near highways—to combat challenges such as unsold inventory and limited outreach. According to her, this would also enable SHG members to build consistent customer bases and adapt to market trends more efficiently.
Pooja Elangbam, Deputy Commissioner of Bishnupur and District Mission Director of MSRLM, stressed the importance of institutional support in transforming rural economies. “This is an ideal platform to showcase the talent and entrepreneurial capabilities of our women,” she said, adding that with improvements in packaging, standardisation, and branding, these products could potentially reach national and even international markets. The Deputy Commissioner encouraged the women to believe in their collective strength and highlighted how financial independence enhances both personal confidence and family well-being. “MSRLM is playing a pivotal role in shaping a self-reliant and resilient rural economy by investing in the potential of women,” she said.
