Rural India is home of the original gig-economy worker. Enterprising villagers hop from tilling fields to tending shops, to door-to-door selling each day. Read the latest trends in micro-enterprises, rural start-ups and the shifting livelihoods of India’s villagers.
Livelihoods
Famed Kashmiri carpets knotted for new parliament
Renowned Kashmiri carpets are being specially made for India's new parliament building, giving a boost to the region's famous crafts industry.
A bus driver now drives farm prosperity
Meet Amol Kadam, a bus driver who is helping his village with farming.
How the patuas sustain their art of storytelling through scrolls
The patua art of storytelling through painted scrolls and songs now flourishes in varied adaptations, putting the art on the world map.
Bell metal fires fading out in Assam
The rising cost of raw material, coupled with the pandemic and stiff competition from other states, is dealing a blow to the ancient brass and bell metal industry of Sarthebari, Assam.
Saathi Ventures announces award for stories of micro-entrepreneurs
More than half of India's population is engaged in entrepreneurship, especially micro-entrepreneurship. To celebrate India’s massive micro-entrepreneurial economy, Saathi Ventures is conducting a micro-entrepreneurship storytelling challenge.
Sparking ideas for India’s next 75 years
The recent Indian Rural Colloquy brought together India's sharpest minds - from doyens of the development world to industry leaders, government secretaries and activists - all at the front of India's march to progress.
Lip-smacking tribal cuisines help women make a living
A tribal festival in Jharkhand popularises authentic tribal cuisine, ensuring traditional recipes are preserved and helping tribal women explore opportunities to make money serving their unique fare.
Mango cultivation not so juicy in Chittoor this year
Unseasonal heavy rainfall and winds are hurting the mango yields of Andhra Pradesh’s Chittoor farmers, who cater to local juice factories and export markets.
Homemaker turns soft toy entrepreneur
After attending a training programme, a Rajasthani homemaker becomes a craft entrepreneur, making soft toys and giving gainful employment to other women from her village.