14 Women of Saria on the Path to Becoming ‘Lakhpati Didis’
Raipur, September 2026: A unique and inspiring story of transformation is unfolding in Sukhapali village of Saria tehsil in Sarangarh-Bilaigarh district. A 25-acre parcel of government land that had remained under the occupation of land mafias and encroachers for years has now been transformed into a thriving centre of economic activity through the hard work and determination of women and effective convergence of government schemes.
Fourteen women members of the ‘Hariyali Self-Help Group’ are using the land to become economically self-reliant and are emerging as new examples of the state’s ‘Lakhpati Didi’ initiative.
From Encroachment to Livelihood
Around 25 acres of government land in Sukhapali had remained encroached upon for a long period. Through joint efforts by the Revenue Department, Gram Panchayat and local administration, the land was successfully freed from encroachment.
The administration did not stop at reclaiming the land. It developed a broader plan to use the land as a means of empowering rural women and strengthening their livelihoods.
Convergence of Schemes and Modern Infrastructure
Various government schemes were brought together to transform the barren and unirrigated land into a model farm.
Under the VB-GramG scheme, the land was developed for agricultural use and the required shed was constructed. Through funds from the District Mineral Foundation (DMF), chain-link fencing was installed across the entire 25-acre area for protection, along with a modern drip irrigation system.
The Cluster Level Federation (CLF) also provided the women's group with Rs 10 lakh in loan assistance.
7,300 Guava Plants and an Inter-Cropping Model
With the financial assistance received, the group planted around 7,300 high-quality VNR and Pink Taiwan varieties of guava.
Since guava orchards take time to start producing fruit, the women adopted a smart inter-cropping model to ensure a regular source of income during the initial period.
They began cultivating vegetables and cash crops such as cucumber, bottle gourd and makhana in the vacant spaces between the guava plants. The produce is being sold in local mandis and markets, providing the group with immediate and regular income.
Women’s Empowerment and the ‘Lakhpati Didi’ Dream
The combination of agriculture, horticulture and modern irrigation on the reclaimed government land has transformed the economic landscape of Sukhapali village.
The 14 women of the Hariyali Self-Help Group are moving beyond traditional farming and establishing themselves as commercial agricultural entrepreneurs.
The initiative, combining protection of government land with women's empowerment, has emerged as a model for the entire state of Chhattisgarh. It demonstrates how, with determination and effective policy implementation, even barren and encroached land can be transformed into a foundation for prosperity.
