Guwahati: A marketplace in Kaliabor managed exclusively by indigenous Karbi women has become a landmark for rural entrepreneurship. Located at Deosur Chang along National Highway 715 near Kaziranga National Park, the site serves as a vital stop for travelers moving between Upper and Lower Assam.
The market specializes in organic vegetables and forest products gathered from nearby areas. Shoppers can find a variety of traditional items including fiddlehead ferns, bamboo shoots, cane shoots, wild yam, and colocasia leaves. These goods reflect the deep-rooted food culture of the region and attract both local residents and tourists visiting the nearby national park.
This initiative offers more than just fresh produce. It provides a sustainable income for indigenous women, allowing them to participate in the economy while preserving local agricultural traditions. The marketplace is increasingly recognized by public officials and community leaders as a successful model for grassroots development.
Supporters describe the project as a powerful testament to community action, noting that 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."

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