Ranchi: Chief minister Hemant Soren on Saturday inaugurated the Palash Pavilion at India International Trade Fair (IITF) 2026 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, showcasing Jharkhand’s rural women-led enterprises and indigenous products.The pavilion has been set up by the Jharkhand State Livelihood Promotion Society (JSLPS) under the rural development department. It features products made by women associated with self-help groups across the state.Hemant interacted with members of sakhi mandals, or women’s self-help groups, and reviewed the products and livelihood initiatives displayed at the pavilion.Jharkhand has been designated the ‘Focus State’ at IITF 2026. “Through the Palash and Aadiva brands, the state is displaying its traditional crafts, cultural heritage and locally produced goods before a wider audience,” Yadav said.The pavilion has 18 stalls offering handicrafts, food and non-food products, travel jewellery and other items made by women entrepreneurs. Wild honey, Jeera Phool rice, brown eggs and other speciality products are among the key attractions.Officials said the initiative enables rural women to manage the entire value chain — from production and processing to branding, marketing and sales — while helping them access larger markets.Industries minister Sanjay Prasad Yadav, chief secretary Avinash Kumar, rural development secretary Manoj Kumar and JSLPS CEO Ananya Mittal were among those present.
