In the heart of Balod district, the women of Auratola village are redefining rural entrepreneurship through the ‘Lakhpati Didi’ initiative. The journey began with a shift in mindset, moving away from conventional agricultural practices to adopt more profitable and sustainable ventures. Take the example of Kumeshwari Masiya, who utilized a small loan from her self-help group to start fish farming. By receiving formal training and cleaning up local ponds, she now earns over 1.17 lakh rupees annually by selling Rohu and Katla fish alongside fresh vegetables from her 20-decimal plot.
Another inspiring story is that of the Atal Women Self-Help Group, led by Lakeshwari Didi. Recognizing a niche market, the group’s ten members underwent training in file-pad manufacturing. They established a small unit with a bank loan and focused on supplying high-quality, affordable file pads to local government offices and book depots. Their strategy of targeting local demand instead of relying on distant urban markets has paid off, with each member now earning a steady monthly income of 7,000 to 8,000 rupees.
The initiative also emphasizes modernizing traditional sectors like animal husbandry. Lokeshwari Sahu, another resident, transitioned to rearing high-yield Jersey cows using balanced feed like Azolla. Her success didn’t stop there; she diversified into tailoring and mushroom production. By producing 10-15 kg of mushrooms daily and selling them to local markets and schools, she has secured a consistent and diverse revenue stream. These individual stories collectively contribute to Auratola’s status as a model village for economic empowerment.
