Tripura's Lakhpati Didi Surekha Ray Deb sets example of rural women's entrepreneurship

In the heart of rural Tripura, Surekha Ray Deb, popularly known as Lakhpati Didi, has emerged as a symbol of resilience and innovation, proving how self‑help groups (SHGs) and institutional support can transform women into successful entrepreneurs.

With nearly seven khani of farmland, Surekha has diversified her livelihood activities — from vegetable cultivation to pig rearing and dairy farming. Her dairy enterprise, particularly milk production, has become a steady source of income, strengthening her household economy and ensuring financial stability.

Her journey reflects the power of SHG-led financial inclusion. By accessing institutional credit four times through her SHG, she expanded her ventures, demonstrating how timely financial assistance combined with determination can create sustainable livelihoods.

Surekha’s innovative practices have earned her recognition beyond Tripura. In February 2026, she was honoured at the National Krishi Vigyan Mela in New Delhi, where her achievements in farming and livestock management were showcased as a model for rural women entrepreneurs.

Recently, CEO of Tripura Rural Livelihood Mission (TRLM) Tarit Kanti Chakma, along with senior officials, visited her farm to understand her livelihood journey. They interacted with her about the challenges and opportunities in rural enterprise, acknowledging her role as an inspiration for other women in the state.

Speaking about her vision, Surekha emphasised that rural women can achieve economic independence if given access to credit, training, and livelihood support. Her success story is now being seen as a blueprint for empowering women through SHGs, aligning with the government’s mission to create more Lakhpati Didis across the country.