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About RIP

RMAI Rural Immersion Programme

Decoding Rural FMCG & Retail Markets | Building Business Perspectives for Bharat

The Rural Immersion Programme is a flagship initiative by RMAI designed to provide first- hand exposure to the dynamics of rural India. It bridges the gap between classrooms and ground realities, offering participants an opportunity to experience, understand, and engage with rural markets, communities, and their evolving aspirations.

This edition of the Rural Immersion Programme is specially curated around Rural FMCG and Retail, offering participants a deeper understanding of consumer behaviour, distribution models, and market opportunities in India’s heartlands.

The Rural Immersion Programme (RIP) is thoughtfully designed as a three-day learning journey, blending knowledge with real-world exposure. The programme comprises two days of intensive classroom sessions, led by experts and practitioners, followed by one full day of immersive village visit, offering participants firsthand insights into the dynamics of rural life, markets, and aspirations.

Through structured field visits, interactions, and curated learning modules, the programme enables participants to:

01

Rural Transformation

Understand rural consumer behaviour, digital adoption, and lifestyle changes.

02

Rural Opportunities

Explore opportunities in agriculture, allied services, fintech, and rural entrepreneurship.

03

Rural Insights

Gain insights into policy frameworks, development models, and corporate engagement in rural markets.

04

Rural Growth

Build a nuanced perspective on challenges and innovations driving growth in India’s heartlands.

05

Rural Fellowship

The programme is designed for students, corporates, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and NGOs who wish to deepen their understanding of rural India. Every participant is awarded a certificate upon completion.

06

Rural Transformation

By immersing in real-world experiences, delegates return with not just knowledge, but also empathy, acionable insights, and a renewed vision for inclusive growth.

Event Schedule

Decoding Rural FMCG & Retail Markets

01
  • Day 1 – Understanding the Rural Consumer & FMCG Landscape

Theme: Who is the Rural Consumer?

09:30 – 10:00 | Icebreaker & Expectations
10:00 – 11:15 | Session 1: Rural India at a Glance
11:30 – 13:00 | Session 2: Rural Consumer Behaviour
13:00 – 14:00 | Lunch
14:00 – 15:30 | Session 3: FMCG in Rural Markets
15:45 – 17:00 | Session 4: Distribution Challenges & Innovations
17:00 – 17:30 | Day 1 Wrap-up
02
  • Day 2 – Rural Retail Ecosystem & Go-to-Market Strategies

Theme: How to Reach & Serve the Rural Shopper

09:30 – 10:15 | Energizer & Recap
10:15 – 11:30 | Session 5: Rural Retail Formats
11:45 – 13:00 | Session 6: Rural Retailer Perspective
13:00 – 14:00 | Lunch
14:00 – 15:15 | Session 7: Communication & Marketing in Rural Markets
15:30 – 16:30 | Session 8: Success Stories & Failures in Rural FMCG/Retail
16:30 – 17:30 | Session 9 : Digital Media & Rural Consumers
17:30 – 17:45 | Capstone Exercise (Day 1 + Day 2)
17:45 – 18:00 | Closing & Prep for Village Immersion (Day 3)
03
08:30 – 09:30 | Travel & Orientation
09:30 – 11:00 | Village Introduction & Interaction
11:00 – 13:00 | Consumer Insights – Household Visits
13:00 – 14:00 | Rural Lunch & Informal Discussion
14:00 – 16:00 | Retail & Distribution Study
16:00 – 17:00 | Focus Group / Youth & Women Interaction
17:00 – 18:00 | Reflection & Debriefing
Register

RMAI Rural Immersion Programme

Register Now

Register now to engage hands‑on with communities, gain unique insights, collaborate on real‑world challenges, and deepen your understanding of rural ecosystems.