Tripura is making waves with an incredible achievement: 1,08,281 women, a staggering 95 percent of the targeted `Lakhpati Didis`, have successfully reached this significant milestone. This news comes straight from Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha, who shared these inspiring figures at the National Workshop on Integrated Farming Cluster for the North Eastern States in Agartala.
It’s a testament to the fact that agriculture remains the very backbone of our country, fueling not only the economy but also serving as the lifeline for countless rural households. The concept of the `Lakhpati Didi` program, a true game-changer, is designed to empower livelihoods, especially for members of women’s self-help groups.
The Integrated Farming Cluster (IFC) approach, conceptualized under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihood Mission by the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India, is at the heart of this success. This strategic initiative focuses on creating a holistic environment for economic growth.
Tripura has wasted no time in implementing this vision. “In Tripura, we have already launched activities for 80 Integrated Farming Clusters (IFCs) with an investment of Rs 32 crore,” Dr. Saha announced. These clusters were officially inaugurated at the Sampurnata Abhijan Samman Samaroh on August 2, 2025. The core objective? To diversify and intensify livelihood interventions. This ensures that rural households can significantly boost their incomes through smart integration and synergy.
Currently, the numbers speak for themselves: there are approximately 4.85 lakh women members spread across 54,113 self-help groups, 2,470 village organisations, and 173 cluster-level federations. This vast network highlights the collective strength and determination of women in the state.
To further strengthen their livelihoods, 2,628 producer groups and 118 non-farm collectives have been developed. What’s more, an impressive Rs 1,677 crore in bank loans has been facilitated, alongside Rs 787 crore in revolving and community investment fund support. These financial injections are crucial for sustained growth and independence.
“I am proud to share that in Tripura, we are moving forward with this mission at full speed. Out of the 1.14 Lakh targeted Didis, already 1,08,281 have become `Lakhpati Didi`, which is around 95% in Tripura,” Dr. Saha reiterated. This is not just a statistical achievement; it’s a social transformation.
This rapid transformation has been fueled by a powerful combination of factors: the unwavering determination of the women themselves, robust government support, and strong community solidarity. These elements together create a fertile ground for success.
Today, Tripura’s women are actively engaged in a diverse range of activities. From piggery and pottery to poultry and fisheries, their entrepreneurial spirit is flourishing. They are deep into entrepreneurship, micro-enterprises, group-based ventures, catering services, and even agro-ecological practices. This vibrancy is making rural Tripura not just economically active but also truly self-reliant.
The Prime Minister’s vision, expressed at the North-East Rising Summit 2025 in New Delhi, aligns perfectly with these efforts. He rightly described the North-East as ‘Ashtalakshmi,’ emphasizing its immense potential. To actualize this vision, the government is prioritizing infrastructure, connectivity, and livelihood generation.
Over the last seven years, Tripura has initiated several groundbreaking projects that are fundamentally altering the socio-economic landscape of the state. The widespread emergence of `Lakhpati Didis` is a clear indicator of this positive change.
It underscores a powerful message: with the right support and unwavering dedication, economic empowerment for women in rural areas is not just a dream but a tangible reality.