**Agartala:** In rural Tripura, Surekha Ray Deb, popularly known as a ‘Lakhpati Didi’, is emerging as an inspiring example of how self-help groups (SHGs), institutional credit and livelihood support can empower women to build sustainable sources of income.
With nearly seven khani of farmland, Surekha has successfully diversified her livelihood activities across agriculture and livestock. Her ventures include vegetable cultivation, pig rearing and dairy farming, with milk production becoming a steady source of income for her family.
Her journey demonstrates the impact of SHG-led financial inclusion in strengthening rural livelihoods. Surekha has accessed institutional credit through her SHG on four occasions, using the financial support to expand and diversify her economic activities. The timely availability of credit, combined with her determination and willingness to adopt multiple livelihood options, has helped her strengthen her household economy and achieve greater financial stability.
Surekha’s achievements have also brought recognition at the national level. In February 2026, she was honoured at the National Krishi Vigyan Mela in New Delhi, where her work in farming and livestock management was showcased as an example of successful rural entrepreneurship.
Her story has continued to attract attention from officials working to promote sustainable livelihoods among women in Tripura. Recently, Chief Executive Officer of Tripura Rural Livelihood Mission (TRLM) Tarit Kanti Chakma, accompanied by senior officials, visited Surekha’s farm.
During the visit, the officials interacted with her and learned about her livelihood journey, including the challenges she encountered while developing her farm-based enterprises and the opportunities available for further expansion. Her experience was acknowledged as an example that could motivate other women across the state to explore entrepreneurship through SHGs.
Surekha believes that rural women can achieve economic independence when they receive access to institutional credit, proper training and sustained livelihood support. Her experience highlights how women can move beyond traditional livelihood activities when provided with the necessary financial and institutional backing.
Her success is now being viewed as a model for women’s economic empowerment in rural Tripura and aligns with the broader government objective of creating more ‘Lakhpati Didis’ by helping women-led households build stable and sustainable incomes.
Through agriculture, dairy and livestock activities, Surekha has demonstrated that determination, financial inclusion and institutional support can turn rural challenges into opportunities for entrepreneurship and self-reliance.
