15 October 2026 marks the International Day of Rural Women, a special day celebrating the achievements, contributions and leadership of women in rural communities around the world. Established by the United Nations, the observance recognises their essential role in agricultural and rural development, food security and the fight against poverty.

This year, the celebration offers an opportunity to look beyond the familiar image of rural women as agricultural workers and caregivers and recognise them as entrepreneurs, innovators, business leaders and economic decision-makers. Across India, women are transforming traditional skills, local resources and community knowledge into enterprises that create livelihoods and open new markets.

Some are bringing regional products to consumers, while others are helping women farmers negotiate better prices, building businesses around traditional food, preserving artisan skills or connecting rural households with essential products and services.

Their journeys demonstrate that entrepreneurship is not limited by geography. With the right opportunities, support and access to markets, a village can become the starting point of a powerful business story.

On this International Day of Rural Women, we celebrate five women whose work reflects different dimensions of this transformation.

1. Chayaa Nanjappa: Turning Local Produce into Business Opportunities

The idea: Taking rural products from local markets to wider audiences.

Chayaa Nanjappa, Founder and Managing Director of Nectar Fresh, based in Mandya, Karnataka, is building business opportunities around natural products while supporting rural producers, farmers and tribal communities.

Her business builds on products such as honey, coffee and other food products, creating opportunities to connect local producers with consumers.

Based in Karnataka, Nectar Fresh focuses on natural products and responsible sourcing. Its business model highlights how rural producers can benefit when local resources are supported by processing, quality standards, branding and access to larger markets.

Producing a valuable agricultural or forest-based product is only one part of the journey. Finding reliable buyers, maintaining quality and building consumer trust are equally important. Businesses that bridge these gaps can help create more sustainable income opportunities for producers.

What makes her approach distinctive

• Local resources, wider reach: Connecting regional produce with consumers and commercial markets.
• Value beyond raw materials: Processing and packaging products can create additional business opportunities.
• Enterprise with a purpose: Bringing livelihood creation and commercial growth together.

Nanjappa has also founded Veeravratam Foundation, extending her work into community-focused initiatives. Her journey reflects how entrepreneurship can connect local knowledge and resources with wider economic opportunities.

Her Words

“Women entrepreneurs are harbingers of self-reliance, excellence in planning and execution and, most of all, compassion.” - Chayaa Nanjappa, Founder and Managing Director, Nectar Fresh

Her story shows how a business built around local products can also create opportunities for rural communities.