'Rural Roots Market' set up at Leimapokpam
Source: Chronicle News Service

Bishnupur, August 04 2025: For the first time in the state, a Rural Roots Market has been inaugurated on Monday at Leimapokpam Makha community hall under Nambol block.

The market is an initiative of Senmitlon Sinnai Village Level Federation under the Manipur Rural Livelihoods Mission, which operates under the Department of Rural Development & Panchayati Raj.

The Rural Roots Market will offer opportunity for 18 village level federations under Sanjenbam Pukhrambam, Ishok, Utlou, and Leimapokpam gram panchayats to set up three stalls each.

In addition, stalls have been allotted to internally displaced persons and local vegetable vendors, bringing the total number of stalls to 62 .

'Rural Roots Market' set up at Leimapokpam

Self-Help Groups will also participate by selling handloom and handicraft products.

The market will operate only on the 4th and 5th of every month.

The inaugural function was attended by Manipur state Rural Livelihood Mission Manipur state mission director N Bandana Devi and Senmitlon Sinnai Village Level Federation president Mutum Bebina Devi as the chief guest and president respectively, while Bishnupur DC Pooja Elangbam and divisional forest officer, Bishnupur W Romabai Devi were present as guests of honour.

In her address, N Bandana said the Rural Roots Market had received approval for its launch earlier, but its opening was delayed due to the ongoing crisis in the state.

She also highlighted the importance of establishing such markets nearby the highway for better accessibility.

She noted that the Ministry is well aware of the contributions made by the Manipur State Rural Livelihoods Mission (MSRLM) amid the crisis situation.

While fund disbursements from other departments were delayed due to the prevailing situation, the Ministry, in recognition of MSRLM's efforts, released its share without delay.

MSRLM also played a significant role in supporting the Convergence Melas organised by various Gram Panchayats.

Plans are underway to expand the Rural Roots Market to other districts as well, Bandana said.

Highlighting the transformative role of MSRLM, she said the Mission is a silent revolution, empowering women at grassroots-level by making them financially independent and giving them a voice in both family and society.

The state mission director also stressed the importance of including more women from vulnerable section into SHGs to help them benefit from the government schemes, thereby building a stronger society.

Speaking on the occasion, DC Pooja Elangbam, reaffirmed the district administration's commitment to rural transformation through convergence of efforts across departments.

She expressed 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 women.

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

This will scale up livelihoods, increase profits, and enhance marketability," she remarked.

The DC urged women to collaborate and support each other in becoming financially self-reliant.

"A family should be co-managed by both men and women.

Financial independence for women is crucial, and MSRLM is helping us achieve this to a large extent," she said, encouraging women to actively participate and avail the benefits of the programme for the betterment Members of SHGs also shared personal testimonials, describing how joining SHGs has boosted their confidence and enabled them to contribute meaningfully to their families.

A wide range of products were put on for sale at the market, including handloom and handicraft items, clothing, jute bags, vegetables, and various local eatables.