Rural economy key to inclusive growth, says Dipika 

Ranchi: Jharkhand Rural Development Minister Dipika Pandey Singh on Friday inaugurated the sixth edition of the Rural India Festival-Classic Expo 2026, organised by NABARD in Ranchi, and said strengthening the rural economy was essential for inclusive development.

The minister visited stalls at the expo and interacted with weavers, artisans and members of women’s groups displaying traditional products, handloom, handicrafts and other rural products from across India.

Stalls featuring Jharkhand’s silk sarees and handicrafts were among the attractions at the event, according to a government press release.

Singh said events such as the Rural India Festival could help rural producers gain access to markets and better understand the value of their products.

She said the expo featured several products carrying Geographical Indication (GI) tags, which can provide buyers with information about the products’ origin and recognised characteristics.

Focus on market access for rural producers

The minister said additional sources of income alongside agriculture could help strengthen rural households and improve access to education and healthcare.

She said rural producers often face a gap between the price they receive and the price at which their products are eventually sold in urban markets.

“Such events are important in reducing the distance between rural areas and urban markets,” she said, according to the release.

The expo also includes a buyers-sellers meeting intended to connect rural producers with larger markets.

Singh said a greater share of the value generated from rural products should reach the weavers and artisans who make them.

Minister stresses credit access

Singh also called for better credit linkages and banking facilities for rural entrepreneurs and women’s groups.

She said rural enterprises, like larger businesses, require access to adequate and affordable financial support to expand.

The minister said the Jharkhand Rural Development Department and Jharkhand State Livelihood Promotion Society (JSLPS) were working to connect women’s groups with self-employment, training, markets and financial opportunities.

She said the state government’s priority included helping weavers, artisans and rural women’s groups organise themselves, access credit and connect with wider markets.

The government also aims to take Jharkhand’s rural skills, local products and work by women’s groups to national and international markets, she said.