Sustainable Business Models Rooted in Local Traditions: A Study of Women in the Bakery Industry

Abstract Rural development and women's empowerment are interrelated in the Indian socio-economic context. While India is celebrating its 75th anniversary of its Constitution, it is important to evaluate sectors that foster inclusive growth and sustainable livelihood. The food processing industry-based bakery sector has been a profitable venture for rural women through the offering of low investment, skill-intensive, and locally Marketable job opportunities. The study examines the role of the bakery industry in enhancing the role of women in rural labor participation, household incomes, and entrepreneurial capacity development. Drawing on secondary data garnered through channels such as the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS), MSME and MoFPI reports and case studies from institutional training programs, the paper notes and discusses the levels of participation of women in bakery businesses, socio-economic advantages accruing from such activity, and issues of access to credit, training, and marketing. The study reveals that bakery-related work is enhancing women's economic independence and rural rural development outcomes at large through government-sponsored SHGs, micro-enterprises, and PMFME and MUDRA schemes. Nevertheless, structural restrictions such as access to scarce formal credit facilities, no appreciation for technology, and patriarchal social attitudes hinder complete participation. The study concludes that scale-up baking-themed training is essential; policy support must be enhanced; and linking women entrepreneurs with wider marketplace opportunities are a must to achieve rural development and gender equity outcomes according to India's vision in the constitution.