MANIPUR LAUNCHES RURAL ROOTS MARKET IN BISHNUPUR DISTRICT TO EMPOWER WOMEN SHGs
Short Summary
The Manipur State Rural Livelihoods Mission (MSRLM), under the Department of Rural Development & Panchayati Raj, inaugurated its first Rural Roots Market at Leimapokpam Makha Leikai Community Hall, Nambol in Bishnupur district on August 4, 2025. Hosted by the Senmitlon Sinnai Village Level Federation (VLF), the market provides a direct platform for women Self-Help Group (SHG) members to sell handloom, handicrafts, fresh produce, and traditional foods at wholesale rates—eliminating middlemen and boosting their incomes. Chief Guest N. Bandana Devi, MSRLM State Mission Director, and Secretary of Skill, Labour, Employment & Entrepreneurship, lauded the initiative as a “silent revolution” for women’s financial independence and grassroots empowerment
Introduction: A Market with a Mission
Ever walked through a bustling market and felt more than just the hum of commerce—felt the pulse of a community? That’s exactly the vibe MSRLM aimed for with the Rural Roots Market in Bishnupur. This isn’t your average bazaar; it’s a game-changer for women SHG members who’ve long battled middlemen, cramped margins, and limited access to customers. Imagine cutting out the “go-between” and selling directly to folks who appreciate your craft—and keeping all the profits. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, for dozens of women in Nambol, that dream came true on August 4, 2025.
The Inaugural Day: Energy, Enthusiasm, and Empowerment
On launch day, the Leimapokpam Makha Leikai Community Hall transformed into a vibrant marketplace:
- Bright Stalls: Cloth canopies in traditional motifs showcased handloom sarees, shawls, and stoles.
- Aroma of Fresh Produce: Organic vegetables, home-grown spices, and aromatic herbs lined up in neat baskets.
- Colorful Handicrafts: Bamboo lamps, jute bags, and tribal jewelry caught the eye of early buyers.
- Local Flavors: Steam-fresh snacks like “ngari pakoda” and sweet treats like “chak-hao kheer” tempted taste buds.
Visitors flitted from stall to stall, sampling products, chatting with artisans, and leaving with bags full of locally made treasures. The air buzzed with chatter: “Where did you get this handwoven scarf?” “Who makes these jute totes? They’re amazing!”
It felt more like a cultural festival than a mere market—because it was. It celebrated the skills, heritage, and entrepreneurial spirit of Manipur’s rural women.
Behind the Scenes: Who Made It Happen
The Rural Roots Market wasn’t a one-man show. It was a team effort involving:
- MSRLM Headquarters: Policy planning, logistics, and funding came from the state mission office.
- Senmitlon Sinnai VLF: The Village Level Federation hosted the event, coordinated SHG members, and managed on-ground arrangements.
- District Administration: Bishnupur’s Deputy Commissioner, Pooja Elangbam, ensured security, sanitation, and crowd-management.
- Local Volunteers: Young graduates and NGO workers pitched in as stall guides, translators (Meitei and Hindi), and community mobilizers.
N. Bandana Devi, wearing both her MSRLM director and state secretary hats, summed it up best:
“This market is the realization of a long-cherished dream—to give our women SHG members a space where they control their destiny, not intermediaries.”
Voices of Empowerment: SHG Members Speak Out
Let’s hear from the women whose lives are shifting:
- Mrs. Tampha Devi, president of the Leimapokpam SHG, displayed her line of woven baskets. “I used to sell them for ₹150 each through an agent. Today, customers are paying ₹250. That extra ₹100 goes directly to my family,” she beams.
- Ms. Jamuna Devi, a young entrepreneur, brought organic turmeric powder. “I never thought I’d fetch city prices right here in my village. Now, I can invest in better drying racks and packaging.”
- Mrs. Sabita Kumari, a first-time vendor, held a tray of homemade pickles. “Yesterday I was nervous. Today, I’m confident. I even taught a customer the secret recipe!” she laughs.
These anecdotes aren’t isolated. They’re the story of transformation that Rural Roots Market intends to replicate across all nine districts of Manipur.
Monthly Markets: Scaling Up for Impact
N. Bandana Devi didn’t stop at the launch. She proposed:
“Why not hold these markets monthly, on busy highways or near urban centers? That way, unsold stock becomes a thing of the past, and our products gain exposure beyond district borders.”
The plan is to rotate the Rural Roots Market across different locations—Churachandpur, Thoubal, Kakching—each time showcasing a fresh batch of SHG talents. Think of it as a “pop-up culture carnival“: every month, a new spot, new products, and renewed excitement.
Deputy Commissioner’s Vision: Rural Transformation
Pooja Elangbam, both Bishnupur’s DC and the district’s MSRLM mission director, emphasized:
“This market is not a one-off event. It’s part of an integrated approach—linking rural credit, training, and market access. Our aim is to make Bishnupur a model district for rural entrepreneurship.”
Her inter-departmental collaboration—bringing together agriculture, women’s welfare, and tourism—reflects a new governance model where every stakeholder pushes towards shared goals.
Forest Officer’s Role: Sustainable Practices
The event’s Guest of Honour, Divisional Forest Officer Waikhom Romabai, emphasized sustainable sourcing:
- Bamboo Crafts: Sourced from community orchards, not wild forests.
- Handloom Dyes: Using natural dyes from local leaves and roots.
- Jute Products: Encouraging crop rotation to keep soils healthy.
By tying rural livelihoods to ecological responsibility, the initiative ensures that economic gains don’t come at the planet’s expense.
Conclusion: Cultivating Hope, One Market at a Time
Here’s the bottom line: Rural Roots Market is more than stalls selling goods. It’s a living classroom where women learn business, build networks, and reclaim their economic power. It’s a festival of culture and creativity that invites the entire community to invest in its own future.
And it all began on a sunny morning in Nambol, when 50 SHG members laid out their best wares, greeted eager customers, and proved that when you give people the right platform, magic happens.
So the next time you’re driving along the Bishnupur road and spot a flutter of handloom colors under a makeshift canopy—stop by. You won’t just shop; you’ll witness the roots of a revolution taking hold.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the Rural Roots Market initiative?
It’s a direct-to-consumer market launched by MSRLM to empower women SHG members in Manipur by enabling them to sell products—handloom, handicrafts, organic produce—without middlemen
2. Where was the first market held?
At the Leimapokpam Makha Leikai Community Hall, Nambol in Bishnupur district, on August 4, 2025
3. Who can participate as vendors?
Registered women SHG members under MSRLM across Manipur’s districts, hosted by local Village Level Federations.
4. How often will these markets occur?
MSRLM proposes monthly circuits in different high-footfall areas, such as highways and town centers, to maximize visibility and sales
5. What long-term benefits are expected?
Increased household incomes, financial independence for women, skill development, market linkages, and potential for national and international exports.
