The Manipur Rural Roots Market aims to empower women entrepreneurs by providing a platform for rural artisans and producers. Learn how this initiative is reshaping livelihoods.
Manipur Rural Roots Market: A New Dawn for Women Entrepreneurs
In a landmark move that blends tradition with empowerment, Manipur has launched its first-ever ‘Rural Roots Market’, setting a revolutionary milestone in the state’s efforts to support rural women and their entrepreneurial dreams.
The Manipur Rural Roots Market was inaugurated with the goal of offering women artisans, farmers, and homegrown producers a dedicated platform to showcase and sell their goods. This initiative doesn’t just open stalls — it opens doors to economic independence, cultural revival, and community growth.
The Launch of the Manipur Rural Roots Market
Located in the heart of Imphal, the capital of Manipur, the Rural Roots Market was officially opened by Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, who praised the women of the state for their resilience, talent, and untapped economic potential.
“The Manipur Rural Roots Market is not just a marketplace; it’s a mission to empower the rural woman,” Singh said during the inauguration. “Their roots are strong, and now, their wings will be stronger.”
The market is designed as a weekly event where women from remote villages and tribal regions can come together to trade, connect, and grow their businesses. It includes organic produce, handwoven textiles, handmade jewelry, pickles, bamboo crafts, and more — all locally sourced.
The Mission Behind Manipur Rural Roots Market
At the heart of this initiative is women empowerment — specifically, economic and social upliftment through entrepreneurship.
Why It Matters:
- 80% of Manipur’s rural economy depends on agriculture and handcrafts.
- Women, especially in tribal areas, often lack market access, despite being skilled producers.
- Many female entrepreneurs work from home or village clusters and are invisible to mainstream markets.
The Manipur Rural Roots Market bridges this divide by giving them visibility, customers, and dignity.
Key Objectives of Manipur Rural Roots Market
Promote indigenous products made by rural women.
Create consistent income channels for female-led families.
Preserve cultural heritage through traditional crafts.
Encourage local sourcing and buying.
Foster entrepreneurship among rural and tribal youth.
Voices from the Market
Meet Phurailatpam Sandhyarani
A 42-year-old weaver from Thoubal, Sandhyarani has been making Manipuri phanek (a traditional wrap-around skirt) for over 20 years.
“I used to sell door-to-door. Now, I’ve made more in one weekend at the Manipur Rural Roots Market than in a whole month,” she says, eyes gleaming with pride.
Meet Tinubi Haokip
Tinubi sells organic wild honey and herbal soaps made in her village near Churachandpur.
“This market has brought me real customers who value my work,” she says. “My income helps send my daughter to school.”
What Can You Find at the Manipur Rural Roots Market?
The Manipur Rural Roots Market isn’t just a commercial space — it’s a cultural exhibition, a celebration of heritage, and a living proof of grassroots talent.
Highlights:
- Handwoven textiles: Phaneks, shawls, stoles
- Natural food products: Pickles, spices, forest honey
- Craftwork: Bamboo baskets, jewelry, hand-carved tools
- Eco-friendly items: Soaps, bio-degradable utensils, pottery
All vendors are verified women entrepreneurs from Manipur’s rural areas.
Government Support Behind the Initiative
The initiative is a collaboration between:
- Manipur State Rural Livelihoods Mission (MSRLM)
- Department of Women & Child Development
- District Self Help Group Federations
The Manipur Rural Roots Market is supported by both central and state funding under the DAY-NRLM (Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission).
How It’s Helping Women Entrepreneurs Thrive
Before this initiative, many rural women entrepreneurs were stuck in an invisible cycle — producing goods with little access to buyers or resources.
Now, with Manipur Rural Roots Market:
- They learn pricing, packaging, marketing, and customer interaction.
- Gain financial literacy and banking access through SHG linkages.
- Build networks and business collaborations with peers.
A Model for Other Indian States?
Experts and policy analysts believe the Manipur Rural Roots Market can serve as a blueprint for other North-East states — and beyond.
“Localized, women-led markets ensure sustainable development,” says rural economist Dr. L. Singh. “Manipur has planted a powerful seed.”
If scaled effectively, this model can drastically reduce rural unemployment and gender disparity across India.
Challenges & Opportunities
While the initial reception of the Manipur Rural Roots Market has been overwhelmingly positive, there are some challenges:
🔸 Limited transport access for remote vendors
🔸 Need for online extension via digital marketplaces
🔸 Seasonal dependency for agricultural products
To address this, the state is planning:
- Subsidized transport hubs
- Digital training for e-commerce
- Mobile units to bring the market to villages
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