Women in Bastar Progress Towards Becoming ‘Lakhpati Didis’ through ‘Bihan’Integrated Farming and Allied Activities Boosting Incomes Across Bastar

Raipur : Under the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) ‘Bihan’, women in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar district are scripting new stories of self-reliance. Through integrated farming clusters set up in Jagdalpur, Tokapal, Lohandiguda, and Darbha blocks, around 4,600 families are being connected to sustainable agriculture and allied activities, resulting in substantial income growth. The core objective is to transform these women into ‘Lakhpati Didis’—earning over ₹1 lakh annually.

As part of this mission, the focus has shifted from traditional farming to advanced crop varieties and modern farming techniques. Women are receiving training to prevent crop diseases, helping them improve both yield and quality.

Path to Self-Reliance through Vegetable Farming

In the first phase of the project, over 1,800 women associated with self-help groups (SHGs) have started cultivating vegetables on 5 to 10 dismil plots in their backyards. They are growing climber vegetables such as bitter gourd, beans, bottle gourd, ridge gourd, and sponge gourd using mulching sheets and trellis systems.

Examples of success include:

• Jayanti Baghel from Kalcha village, a member of the Bihan SHG, cultivating vegetables on 15 dismil of land.
• Padma Baghel from Negiguda village, part of Rupshila SHG, growing vegetables on 10 dismil.
• Champa Baghel of Bijaput village (Jeevan Jyoti SHG) working on 25 dismil.
• Hirmani from Karanpur village, a member of Dular Dei SHG, cultivating vegetables on 5 dismil.

This initiative is ensuring a sufficient supply of vegetables within villages, improving nutrition and reducing household expenses on food. The savings are redirected to essential needs, children’s education, asset creation, or new businesses.

From Local Sales to Wider Markets

Women are now selling surplus vegetables in local markets and small mandis, generating additional income and strengthening their families’ financial stability. Plans are underway to supply Bastar-grown vegetables to markets outside the district in the near future.

Multiple Livelihood Avenues per Member

The aim of the ‘Bihan’ initiative is to connect each member to 3–4 livelihood avenues. Alongside vegetable farming, activities include maize cultivation, poultry and goat rearing, tamarind processing, fish farming, and small grain production. These efforts are significantly enhancing women’s incomes.

Overall, ‘Bihan’ is a transformative step towards empowering rural women in Bastar—making the dream of becoming true Lakhpati Didis a reality.