Agartala – Tripura has reached a significant milestone in empowering rural women, with 1,08,281 women now recognised as ‘Lakhpati Didis’—achieving 95% of the state’s target under the initiative, Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha announced.
Speaking at the National Workshop on Integrated Farming Clusters (IFCs) for North Eastern States, held at Hotel Polo Tower in Agartala, Dr. Saha highlighted the crucial role of agriculture in India’s economy and rural livelihoods. He underscored that the state is actively working to strengthen women’s economic empowerment through the Integrated Farming Cluster model, launched under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihood Mission (DAY-NRLM) by the Ministry of Rural Development.
Dr. Saha revealed that Tripura has launched 80 Integrated Farming Clusters with a total investment of ₹32 crore, inaugurated during the Sampurnata Abhijan Samman Samaroh on August 2, 2025. These clusters aim to diversify and intensify livelihood options for rural households by fostering synergy among various income-generating activities.
“Currently, Tripura has 4.85 lakh women involved in 54,113 Self-Help Groups (SHGs), supported by 2,470 village organisations and 173 cluster-level federations,” the Chief Minister stated. “To enhance their incomes, we have formed 2,628 producer groups and 118 non-farm collectives. So far, we have facilitated ₹1,677 crore in bank loans and provided ₹787 crore as revolving and community investment funds.”
Dr. Saha expressed pride in the rapid progress of the ‘Lakhpati Didi’ initiative, stating that out of the 1.14 lakh targeted beneficiaries, 1,08,281 women have already crossed the ₹1 lakh annual income mark.
He attributed this success to the hard work of the women, consistent government support, and strong community participation.
“Our women are leading in diverse sectors like piggery, poultry, fisheries, pottery, micro-enterprises, group ventures, catering, and agro-ecological practices. Their contributions are making rural Tripura more self-reliant and dynamic,” he said.
Dr. Saha also referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s remarks at the North-East Rising Summit 2025, where he described the North-East as “Ashtalakshmi”—symbolising prosperity and potential. “To realise this vision, our government is prioritising infrastructure, connectivity, and livelihood generation. Over the past seven years, Tripura has taken several transformative steps that are reshaping the state’s socio-economic fabric,” he concluded.
