By Chetanya Sarraf
July 30, 2026, 12:12 PM

Gujarat Marketing Support Scheme for Sakhi Mandals

The Gujarat government has launched the Gujarat Marketing Support Scheme to strengthen the economic prospects of rural women associated with Sakhi Mandals by connecting their products to national and international markets. The initiative, introduced by the Gujarat Livelihood Promotion Company Limited (GLPC), seeks to improve market access for self-help groups (SHGs) through e-commerce platforms and organized marketing channels.

The scheme is expected to enhance the income of thousands of women entrepreneurs while promoting locally made products across a wider customer base.

Scheme Focuses On Women Empowerment

The Gujarat Marketing Support Scheme has been introduced to make women-led self-help groups financially stronger by providing better opportunities to sell their products. Many Sakhi Mandals produce handicrafts, food products, spices, textiles, traditional goods, and other locally manufactured items.

By improving access to larger markets, the government aims to help these groups receive better prices for their products while encouraging entrepreneurship in rural communities.

Officials believe the initiative will contribute significantly to women’s financial independence and strengthen rural livelihoods.

Connecting Rural Products With Global Buyers

One of the key objectives of the scheme is to provide Sakhi Mandals with access to online marketplaces and wider distribution networks. Through digital platforms and organized marketing support, locally manufactured products will have greater visibility among customers across India and abroad.

Expanding market access can help increase product demand, improve business opportunities, and create sustainable sources of income for women entrepreneurs.

The initiative also supports the government’s broader vision of promoting local products on national and international platforms.

Implementation Through GLPC

The Gujarat Livelihood Promotion Company Limited (GLPC) will oversee the implementation of the scheme in collaboration with relevant government departments and local agencies.

Officials stated that training, marketing assistance, branding support, and product promotion will be important components of the programme. These measures are expected to help self-help groups improve product quality, packaging, and market competitiveness.

The government has also allocated financial resources to support the implementation of the initiative during the current financial period.

Boost For Rural Economy

The scheme is expected to generate long-term economic benefits by strengthening rural enterprises and creating additional employment opportunities. Increased sales can encourage self-help groups to expand production, involve more women, and contribute to local economic development.

Experts believe supporting rural entrepreneurs through better market access plays a crucial role in reducing income disparities and promoting inclusive growth.

As demand for locally produced goods continues to rise, initiatives like this can help rural businesses compete more effectively.

Supporting The Vision Of Self-Reliance

The Gujarat government has consistently introduced programmes aimed at promoting self-employment, skill development, and women-led enterprises. The Gujarat Marketing Support Scheme aligns with these efforts by helping self-help groups become financially self-reliant and more competitive in modern markets.

Improved digital access, branding, and organized marketing are expected to strengthen the long-term sustainability of Sakhi Mandals across the state.

Digital Platforms Will Expand Market Reach

A key objective of the Gujarat Marketing Support Scheme is to help Sakhi Mandals take advantage of digital commerce and modern marketing practices. As online shopping continues to grow across India and internationally, providing rural women with access to e-commerce platforms can significantly increase the visibility of their products. Customers from different regions will be able to discover and purchase locally made goods without geographical limitations.

The initiative is expected to encourage self-help groups to adopt digital payment systems, improve online product listings, and strengthen customer engagement. Better digital connectivity will also help women entrepreneurs understand changing market trends, consumer preferences, and pricing strategies.

Officials believe that combining traditional craftsmanship with modern technology can create sustainable business opportunities while preserving local skills and cultural heritage.

Training And Capacity Building Will Be Essential

The scheme not only provides marketing opportunities but also helps women associated with Sakhi Mandals strengthen their business capabilities. Training programmes may include product branding, packaging, quality control, digital literacy, financial management, and customer service.

Such initiatives can help self-help groups compete effectively in larger markets while maintaining consistent product quality. Better branding and attractive packaging can increase customer confidence and improve product value, especially in competitive online marketplaces.

Financial literacy programmes can also enable women entrepreneurs to manage business income more efficiently, plan future investments, and expand their enterprises over time. These skills are essential for building long-term financial stability.

Supporting Rural Entrepreneurship

The Gujarat Marketing Support Scheme encourages women to transform small-scale production into sustainable businesses, creating new opportunities for rural entrepreneurship. Increased market access can motivate self-help groups to diversify their products, improve production standards, and explore new business opportunities.

As businesses grow, additional employment opportunities may also emerge within local communities. Greater participation in economic activities can strengthen household incomes while encouraging younger generations to explore entrepreneurship instead of depending solely on traditional occupations.

Experts believe that empowering women-led enterprises contributes directly to inclusive economic growth and balanced rural development.

Long-Term Economic Benefits

By strengthening Sakhi Mandals through improved marketing support, the Gujarat government aims to create lasting economic benefits for rural communities. Higher product sales can increase household incomes, improve living standards, and encourage greater financial independence among women.

The initiative also aligns with broader national efforts to promote self-reliance, local manufacturing, and women-led development. Successful implementation may encourage similar programmes in other states seeking to support rural entrepreneurs through better market access.

As consumer demand for authentic handmade and locally produced goods continues to rise, Sakhi Mandals could benefit from expanding business opportunities in both domestic and international markets. The Gujarat Marketing Support Scheme demonstrates how targeted government support, combined with digital technology and community participation, can strengthen rural

Conclusion

The Gujarat Marketing Support Scheme marks an important step toward empowering women entrepreneurs and expanding market opportunities for Sakhi Mandals. By connecting self-help groups with national and global markets, the initiative seeks to improve rural incomes, encourage entrepreneurship, and promote Gujarat’s locally produced goods. If implemented successfully, the scheme could become a model for strengthening women-led enterprises and rural economic development across the country.

Source: ANI

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By Chetanya Sarraf July 30, 2026, 12:12 PMGujarat Marketing Support Scheme for Sakhi Mandals