Assam: Indigenous women-run market near Kaziranga emerges as model of rural entrepreneurship

A unique market managed and operated entirely by indigenous Karbi women in Kaliabor has emerged as a notable example of community-driven entrepreneurship and women’s empowerment. 

Located at Deosur Chang along National Highway 715 near the globally renowned Kaziranga National Park, the market has been attracting growing attention from travelers, tourists, public representatives, and local residents alike.

Strategically situated on a busy highway connecting Upper Assam and Lower Assam, the market serves as a popular stop for commuters traveling along National Highway 715. 

Visitors to Kaziranga National Park, including domestic and international tourists, frequently visit the market to purchase fresh local produce and traditional forest-based food items. The market has also drawn the attention of ministers, legislators, and other dignitaries passing through the region.

The women-run marketplace offers a wide range of organically grown vegetables and naturally available forest produce sourced from nearby villages and surrounding forest areas. Among the products available are colocasia leaves (kachu xaak), fiddlehead ferns (dhekia xaak), bamboo shoots, cane shoots, wild yam, and several other indigenous edible plants that form an integral part of the traditional food culture of the region.

Beyond providing consumers with access to fresh and locally sourced products, the initiative has created sustainable livelihood opportunities for indigenous women. The market has become a platform for economic participation, enabling local women to generate income while preserving and promoting traditional agricultural practices and indigenous food resources.

Residents and visitors have praised the initiative for showcasing the rich biodiversity and cultural heritage of the region while strengthening the economic independence of women. The market stands as a successful model of grassroots entrepreneurship, demonstrating how community-led initiatives can contribute to rural development, sustainable livelihoods, and the promotion of indigenous knowledge systems.