- Started fish farming in a pond built on private land; became a ‘Lakhpati Didi’ through various livelihood activities
- The progress of sisters and the pride of the family—this is the mission of Vishnu Bhaiya
The Chhattisgarh State Rural Livelihood Mission—’Bihan’—operating under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai to make rural women economically empowered and self-reliant, is becoming a foundation for new livelihood opportunities. By joining Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and adopting various activities such as agriculture, animal husbandry, and fish farming, women are increasing their incomes and playing a vital role in strengthening their families’ financial status.
Smt. Jay Kumari, a resident of village Gumgarakhurd in the Lakhanpur development block of Surguja district, is also moving towards self-reliance by associating with the ‘Bihan’ scheme. A member of the Lakshmi Self-Help Group, Jay Kumari has made fish farming her source of livelihood by constructing a pond on her private land. Through her engagement in various livelihood activities, she has established her identity as a ‘Lakhpati Didi’ (a woman earning an annual income of over one lakh rupees).
- Pond on Private Land: Fish Farming to Boost Income
Jay Kumari shared that she had a pond constructed on her private land and subsequently started fish farming. She is receiving assistance with fish seeds through the ‘Bihan’ scheme. The availability of fish seeds from the Fisheries Department at a 50 percent subsidy is providing significant support in advancing her fish farming activities.
She mentions that she has engaged in fish farming in the past as well. Having earned a good income from this activity previously, she felt encouraged and decided to restart it in a systematic manner. Now, by making optimal use of the resources available on her private land, she is incorporating fish farming into her regular livelihood.
- Past Experience Shows a New Path
For Jay Kumari, fish farming is not merely a source of income but an opportunity to move towards economic self-reliance. Her prior experience has given her a solid understanding of the fish farming process. Leveraging this experience, she is managing fish farming in her pond more effectively.
The assistance received through the scheme has bolstered her efforts. By utilizing locally available land and water resources, she is moving towards making an additional contribution to her family’s income.
- New Livelihood Opportunities for Women through ‘Bihan’
Through the ‘Bihan’ scheme, rural women associated with self-help groups are being linked to various livelihood activities tailored to their interests, capabilities, and local resources. This enables women to create self-employment opportunities and play an active role in their family’s economic well-being.
Jai Kumari’s story demonstrates how local resources, a woman’s hard work, and government support can combine to create a strong foundation for sustainable livelihoods. By constructing a pond on her private land and engaging in fish farming, she has developed an additional source of income, thereby strengthening her path toward economic self-reliance.
“The progress of sisters is the pride of the family—this is Vishnu Bhaiya’s mission.”
Jai Kumari expressed her gratitude to Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai for her success and the support received from the government. She mentioned that the Bihan scheme provides assistance with fish seeds, which helps her advance her livelihood activity. She noted that she had previously earned a good income from fish farming and intends to continue expanding this activity. She thanked the government for its schemes that connect rural women with livelihood opportunities.
Jai Kumari’s story reinforces the belief that when provided with opportunities and support, rural women can transform local resources into livelihoods and script new stories of self-reliance. Her initiative, which began with a single pond on private land, is now becoming a source of increased family income and a beacon of hope for a financially secure future.