First 'Rural Roots Market' inaugurated at Leimapokpam
Source: The Sangai Express / DIO

Bishnupur, August 04 2025: Manipur State Rural Livelihoods Mission (MSRLM) under the Department of Rural Development & Panchayati Raj, Government of Manipur, today launched the first 'Rural Roots Market' at Leimapokpam Makha Leikai Community Hall, Nambol, Bishnupur.

Today's Rural Roots Market hosted by Senmitlon Sinnai Village Level Federation (VLF), witnessed significant public participation.

It aims to eliminate middlemen and enable the members of Self-Help Group (SHG) to sell their products directly to customers at wholesale rates.

Gracing the inaugural function as chief guest, Secretary of Skill, Labour, Employment & Entrepreneurship and also the State Mission Director, MSRLM, N Bandana Devi, stated that the Rural Roots Market is a long-cherished dream that has now been materialised.

She emphasized that this platform enables SHG members to directly engage with customers, understand their needs, and improve the quality and design of their products accordingly - thereby reaching a wider audience.

N Bandana Devi further suggested that such markets should be organised on a monthly basis across various locations, particularly near highways, where footfall is higher.

She noted that this would expand the market reach and address the common issue of unsold inventory by aligning supply more effectively with demand.

Highlighting the silent transformation led by MSRLM, she said, MSRLM is a silent revolution - empowering women at grassroot level by making them financially independent and giving them a voice in both family and society.

She stressed the importance of including more women from vulnerable sections into SHGs to help them benefit fiom these Government schemes, thereby building a stronger society.

Deputy Commissioner Bishnupur, also District Mission Director, MSRLM, Pooja Elangbam, reaffirmed the District Administration's commitment to rural transformation through convergence of efforts across departments.

She emphasised that the economic and social empowerment of women through MSRLM will significantly elevate their roles.

Rural markets like these will provide the perfect platform to showcase diverse skills of the women, she said.

Once standardised, these products can be exported nationally and internationally.

This will scale up livelihoods, increase profits, and enhance marketability, the DC added.

Members of SHGs also shared personal testimonials, describing how joining SHGs has boosted their confidence and enabled them to contribute meaningfully to their families.

The function was also graced by Divisional Forest Officer Waikhom Romabai as guest of honour, and Mutum Bebina Devi, President of Senmitlon Sinnai VLF, who presided over the event.

A wide range of products were sold at the Rural Roots Market, including handloom and handicraft items, clothing, jute bags, vegetables, and various local eatables.

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