Prospects of Agripreneurship in Manipur, India

Agripreneurship in Manipur stands at the confluence of tradition and innovation. By leveraging its agricultural diversity, fostering individual and institutional initiatives, and empowering women and youth, Manipur is poised to transform its agrarian economy into a dynamic, sustainable, and inclusive growth model. Agripreneurship, the integration of agriculture and entrepreneurship, is emerging as a transformative strategy for sustainable rural development in Manipur, India. Agriculture is the backbone of the Indian economy, and the rural economy depends mainly on agriculture for its income and employment. With over 70% of the population engaged in agriculture, the state holds immense potential to leverage agripreneurship for economic diversification and livelihood generation. This review explores the historical context, current initiatives, challenges, and future p rospects of agripreneurship in Manipur. Traditionally reliant on subsistence farming, the state is now witnessing a shift toward business-oriented agricultural ventures, driven by educated youth, innovative practices, and institutional support. Government programs such as Startup Manipur, Mission Organic Value Chain Development, and Sub-Mission on Agroforestry, alongside support from NGOs and academic institutions, have fostered a conducive ecosystem for agri-entrepreneurial growth. Case studies of successful agripreneurs across organic farming, value addition, agro-processing, hydroponics, and agri-tourism illustrate the potential for scalability and impact. Despite this progress, challenges remain, including poor infrastructure, limited market access, inadequate training, climate risks, and financial constraints. The review also highlights the underutilised role of women and the youth, whose active engagement is critical for the sector’s long-term sustainability. Recommendations include enhancing infrastructure, building capacity, diversifying crops, promoting digital inclusion, and empowering women. By aligning traditional agricultural strengths with entrepreneurial innovation, Manipur can serve as a model for agripreneurship-led rural transformation in India’s Northeast. The review emphasises the need for an inclusive and coordinated approach to harness this potential and create resilient rural communities anchored in sustainable agriculture and empowered local enterprise. With focused interventions and sustained efforts, Manipur can become a pioneering state in agripreneurship, showcasing how localised strategies can empower communities, preserve ecological balance, and drive inclusive rural development. The state’s journey can serve as a blueprint for agripreneurship-led progress across similar regions in India.