Jammu, February 19,2026- In a remarkable example of grassroots women empowerment, a 100-member Self-Help Group (SHG) in Nihalpur village of Palli block is leading a wave of rural entrepreneurship under the Jammu & Kashmir Rural Livelihoods Mission through its flagship UMEED initiative.
The women-led SHG has come together with a shared vision of financial independence and community development. Working collectively, the group produces homemade and healthy food items, including beetroot flour, traditional pickles, and other domestic products, which are marketed locally.
Members of the SHG are earning a steady income while operating from their homes, enabling them to balance household responsibilities with entrepreneurial activities. The initiative has not only enhanced their economic status but also strengthened social cohesion and mutual support within the community.
Officials associated with the programme said the UMEED initiative aims to promote sustainable livelihoods, encourage women-led enterprises, and boost rural economies across Jammu and Kashmir. By providing training, financial linkage, and marketing support, the mission empowers women to transform traditional skills into profitable ventures.
The success of the 100-member SHG in Nihalpur reflects the growing impact of Self-Help Groups in Palli block, where women are stepping forward as entrepreneurs and contributors to local economic growth.
Participants said the platform has increased their confidence, decision-making capacity, and financial security. With increasing demand for homemade and organic products, the group is now exploring expansion opportunities and wider market access.
The initiative stands as a testament to the transformative role of women in rural development, demonstrating how collective effort and institutional support can spark sustainable entrepreneurship at the grassroots level.
