Ministry of Rural Development Showcases Women-Led Rural Enterprises at Bharat Tex 2026

Key Highlights:

• The Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) is showcasing women-led rural enterprises at Bharat Tex 2026 in New Delhi.
• Participation is through the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana - National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM).
• Lakhpati Didis from Self-Help Groups (SHGs) across India are presenting their products and enterprises.
• The exhibition features diverse traditional crafts and the Saras Shakti Collection, a premium gifting initiative.
• The government aims to create 6 crore Lakhpati Didis, building on the current milestone of 3 crore.

Detailed Insights:

• The event is being held from July 14 to 17, 2026, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
• The showcase highlights the growing role of rural women in building sustainable enterprises and strengthening household incomes.
• It was inaugurated by Shri Rohit Kansal, Secretary, Ministry of Rural Development.
• Products on display include handweaving, Dhokra metalwork, Kolhapuri leather craft, jute, bamboo, woodcraft, beadwork, silk-thread jewellery, and water hyacinth craft.
• The Saras Shakti Collection curates high-quality handcrafted products by rural women SHGs for institutional markets.
• This initiative focuses on quality, craftsmanship, design, and market readiness to enhance the value and visibility of rural craftsmanship.
• DAY-NRLM supports rural women in accessing finance, building skills, developing products, and strengthening market linkages.
• Over 10 crore rural women have been mobilized into Self-Help Groups (SHGs) across India by DAY-NRLM.
• The participation provides a global platform for rural women entrepreneurs to engage with buyers and explore wider market opportunities.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana - National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM): A flagship program for poverty alleviation by promoting sustainable livelihoods and financial inclusion for the rural poor.
• Self-Help Groups (SHGs): Small voluntary associations of poor people, preferably from the same socio-economic background, who come together for mutual help.
• Lakhpati Didi: An initiative under DAY-NRLM aiming to empower rural women to earn at least ₹1 lakh per annum through various livelihood activities.