- By joining the ‘Bihan’ scheme, she turned animal husbandry and vegetable farming into income sources, with her annual earnings reaching ₹2.5 lakh
With dedication, hard work, and the right opportunity, rural women can strengthen their families’ financial status and set new examples of self-reliance. The story of Mrs. Nidhi Tiwari from Amarpur village in Pendra block is an inspiring example of this transformation. She developed new income streams through animal husbandry and vegetable farming, and her annual income has now reached approximately ₹2.5 lakh.
Mrs. Nidhi Tiwari has been associated with the ‘Deep Mahila Self-Help Group’ since June 2023 and currently serves as its president. Just three months after joining the group, she purchased a Jersey cow using ₹10,000 in assistance received from the Revolving Fund (RF). Her cow produces about 15 liters of milk daily, providing her with a regular source of income.
Six months later, Nidhi received ₹60,000 in assistance from the Community Investment Fund (CIF). She combined this amount with her own savings and other resources to start vegetable farming. Subsequently, she made the cultivation of various seasonal vegetables a key pillar of her livelihood.
- Increased income from tomato farming
Nidhi Tiwari planted a tomato crop in her field in March. Once the crop was ready, she began selling the tomatoes. She is earning a good income by selling them at a rate of approximately ₹40 per kilogram. Combining animal husbandry with vegetable production diversified her income and helped strengthen her family’s financial position.
Nidhi shares that after joining the National Rural Livelihood Mission ‘Bihan’, she received financial assistance, support from the group, and a new direction to expand her work. She says that today, she is able to meet her family’s needs while also pursuing her own dreams.
- Livelihood Support Through Women’s Self-Help Groups
Nidhi Tiwari’s experience is linked to the broader rural livelihood framework that emphasizes providing women with opportunities for financial inclusion, skill development, livelihood generation, and entrepreneurship through self-help groups (SHGs). The Central Government’s Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihood Mission (DAY-NRLM) organizes rural women into SHGs with precisely this objective. The ‘Lakhpati Didi’ initiative is an outcome of this mission, focusing on ensuring that women earn a sustainable annual income of at least one lakh rupees. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Central Government has placed special emphasis on SHG-based livelihood models, financial inclusion, and women’s entrepreneurship to boost the income and economic participation of rural women.
- A Platform for Women Through ‘Bihan’ Under Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai’s Leadership
In Chhattisgarh, opportunities for livelihood activities are being created by connecting rural women to SHGs through the ‘Bihan’ initiative. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has emphasized linking women’s SHGs and rural women’s entrepreneurship with self-reliance. Speaking at the ‘Lakhpati Didi Samvad’ (dialogue), Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai highlighted the importance of advancing women through self-reliance, entrepreneurship, and innovation.
- Nidhi on the Path to Fulfilling Her Family’s Dreams
Nidhi Tiwari believes that with hard work, coupled with the right opportunities and support, one can strengthen the family’s financial position even while living in a village. The support received through the SHG gave her the opportunity to systematically expand her activities in animal husbandry and vegetable farming. Today, the income generated from milk production and the cultivation of seasonal vegetables—including tomatoes—plays a crucial role in fulfilling her family’s dreams.
Nidhi Tiwari’s story demonstrates how rural women can strengthen their livelihoods by combining SHG support, financial assistance, local resources, and hard work. Her journey began with animal husbandry and extended to vegetable farming; now, recognized as a ‘Lakhpati Didi,’ she is paving the way for her family’s economic self-reliance.