Agartala , Jun 03, 2023, TRIPURATIMES Desk
When self-reliance is the goal, the efforts of women like Bela Rani Debbarma, a Maize cultivator from Abhicharan area under Lefunga RD Block in Mohanpur sub-division, are inspiring.
Inspired by the call of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Janajati woman raised a Self Help Group (SHG) involving 10 other women of her locality a few years ago. Initially, the SHG functioned at its own initiative and couldn't make profits in absence of government's assistance.
A few months ago, the Tripura Rural Livelihood Mission (TRLM) under the Rural Development department sanctioned a loan of around Rs. 2.5 lakh for 'Berem', the SHG, giving it a major support for maize cultivation in a new spirit. The Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare department further extended other supports.
The Janajati woman is a successful maize cultivator now. The SHG group already earned Rs. 98,000, she elaborated the success story with a smile on her face.
They are currently cultivating four types of maize including baby corn and sweet corn.
The commercial production is reaching the local markets at Lefunga, Barkathal and various other places. The maize is called "Mogdam" in Kokborok.
Local BAC chairman Ranabir Debbarma is very happy with the efforts of this SHG. He feels that the SHG is setting an example before the other women who want to become Swanirbhar and strengthening the Prime Minister's vision for Women Empowerment.
This has not only changed the lives of the SHG members including Bela Rnai Debbarma, Dipali Debbarma, Sandhya Rani Debbarma and Anjana Debbarma but also inspired the other women in the area.
This success story is a testament that Prime Minister Narendra Modi call for self reliance is encouraging the Naari Shakti even in rural hamlets of Tripura.
Tripura Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha hailed the efforts of this SHG group and highlighted the success story in his social media handle.