Shivraj Chouhan Empowers Lakhpati Didis in Gujarat
Union Agriculture Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan visited Junagadh, Gujarat, to celebrate the achievements of India’s rural women entrepreneurs — the Lakhpati Didis.
He interacted with women from self-help groups (SHGs), farmers, and scientists at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research – Directorate of Groundnut Research. His message was clear — empowering women is key to building a Viksit Bharat.
India’s Lakhpati Didi Revolution
Under the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM), over 1.5 crore women have already become Lakhpati Didis — women earning more than ₹10 lakh annually. The target now is 2 crore Lakhpati Didis by August 15.
“This isn’t just a number. It’s a revolution,” said Shri Chouhan. “These women are breaking barriers, creating businesses, and transforming rural India.”
The SHG movement, backed by training, credit access, and local enterprise promotion, has given millions of women financial independence.
At Junagadh, the Minister reviewed the institute’s agricultural innovations and their impact on SHG-led enterprises. He highlighted how SHG women are now producing market-ready, export-quality products.
“Local to global is becoming a reality,” he said. “Our Lakhpati Didis are taking traditional crafts, foods, and farm products to national and international markets.”
For example, in Gujarat’s Amreli district, SHG women trained in groundnut processing now supply oil and snacks to urban markets, earning sustainable incomes.
Stories That Inspire
During the event, Shri Chouhan released a compilation of 50 success stories of Lakhpati Didis. These stories showcase courage, creativity, and resilience.
One woman started with papad-making and built a ₹12 lakh business in two years. Another used goat farming to uplift her entire village.
“When women rise, families, villages, and the nation rise,” the Minister said emotionally. “You are the true architects of Atmanirbhar Bharat.”
Government’s Strong Support
The Minister emphasized that the government stands firmly with rural women. Plans are already in motion to:
- Expand skill training in agriculture, dairy, and crafts
- Ensure timely bank credit and access to raw materials
- Upgrade local infrastructure like storage and transport
- Promote digital tools for marketing and payments
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi is committed to making women the backbone of our economy,” he said. “Lakhpati Didis are central to that mission.”
Message of Empowerment
As the Raksha Bandhan festival approaches, Shri Chouhan extended greetings and shared a heartfelt message: “Keep moving forward. Your government is with you. Your courage will shape India’s future.”
He urged women to become role models in their communities. “Encourage more women to join SHGs. Mentor the next generation of entrepreneurs,” he added.
Economic Power, Social Change
The rise of Lakhpati Didis is not just economic. It’s social. Women now participate in village decision-making, send children to school, and invest in health and nutrition.
In Bihar, SHG women have helped eliminate middlemen in local markets. Meanwhile, in Rajasthan, they operate solar-powered flour mills to support rural livelihoods. Leading eco-tourism ventures in Assam, these women are also promoting sustainable development across the region.
“This is the silent revolution you don’t see on TV,” said a participant at the event. “But it’s changing India forever.”
SHGs and the Path Ahead
The government’s goal is to expand SHG coverage to every rural block. Currently, over 8 crore women are part of 85 lakh SHGs under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana.
With a strong support system, India’s SHG network is set to become the world’s largest rural women-led economic engine.
Conclusion: Building Viksit Bharat Together
As India walks toward its 2047 goal of becoming a developed nation, the journey must be led by its women. The Lakhpati Didi initiative proves that with trust, training, and tools — transformation is possible.
Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan’s visit to Gujarat marks another milestone in this journey. His words and actions reaffirm the government’s faith in women as change-makers.
From Junagadh to Jharkhand, from papads to power tools — the rise of Lakhpati Didis is India’s story of hope, grit, and growth.