Kochi, Kerala: The Ministry of Rural Development showcased women-led rural enterprises from across India at the BRICS Women Ministerial Meeting in Kochi, Kerala, presenting the achievements of Self-Help Group (SHG) entrepreneurs and promoting India’s rural livelihood initiatives on an international platform.
The exhibition, organised through the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana–National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM), is being held on 8 and 9 July 2026 as part of the BRICS Women Ministerial Meeting. It highlights products and enterprises developed by rural women while demonstrating the role of collective institutions in strengthening livelihoods and preserving traditional crafts.
The event was inaugurated by Union Minister for Women and Child Development Annapurna Devi along with Minister of State Savitri Thakur. Senior officials from the Ministry of Rural Development briefed delegates on the exhibition, while representatives from Brazil, Russia, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Indonesia visited the pavilion and interacted with rural entrepreneurs.
The Ministry’s pavilion features participation from 21 States and Union Territories alongside the National Saras Aajeevika Gallery, displaying a wide range of products created by women-led SHG enterprises. Visitors can explore handlooms, handicrafts, natural foods, wellness products, sustainable lifestyle items and other rural products that reflect India’s diverse cultural traditions.
A key attraction is the Saras Shakti Collection, a premium gifting initiative under DAY-NRLM that showcases handcrafted products made by rural women. The collection aims to improve market access while enhancing the visibility and value of traditional craftsmanship.
The exhibition also presents several regional art forms and crafts, including Madhubani paintings, Dokra and Bell Metal crafts, Pen Kalamkari, Phulkari embroidery, Toda embroidery, Kantha work, Kutchi crafts, Channapatna toys and Ajrakh textiles, among others.
According to the Ministry, the exhibition reflects the contribution of more than 10 crore women associated with Self-Help Groups in strengthening rural livelihoods and local economies. By bringing together enterprises from across the country, the initiative seeks to expand market opportunities for rural entrepreneurs while showcasing the diversity, quality and innovation emerging from India’s rural enterprise ecosystem before an international audience.
The Ministry said the participation reaffirms its commitment to promoting women-led entrepreneurship, sustainable livelihoods and greater global recognition for products created by rural Self-Help Groups.
Source: This article is based on an official press release issued by the Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India
Press Release Page | Press Information Bureau
