By Firstdespatch Desk Jun 19, 2026
Santirbazar, June 19 (FD) Once struggling to meet daily household expenses, a group of ten tribal women from Madhya Kathalia ADC Village under Bokafa Block in South Tripura has successfully transformed their lives through determination, unity, and entrepreneurship. Their inspiring journey has become a shining example of women empowerment and rural economic development in the region.
Operating under the Joint Forest Management Committee (JFMC) of the Devipur Beat of the Forest Department, the Monai Self-Help Group (SHG) has emerged as a successful model of financial independence and community development. Established on May 1, 2022, under the leadership of Lalita Reang, the group comprises Bujita Reang, Parbati Reang, Sanchita Reang, Pabanti Reang, Phalayati Reang, Jabaiti Reang, Phulabati Reang, Ushati Reang, and Lilabati Reang.
Despite limited family income and scarce employment opportunities, the women united with a vision to improve their livelihoods. A few months after forming the SHG, the group secured a revolving fund loan of Rs 60,000 under the SCATFORM project. Combining the loan amount with their personal savings, they ventured into arecanut sapling cultivation.
Their hard work yielded remarkable results. The group produced 11,500 arecanut saplings and sold them at Rs 8 each, generating a total revenue of Rs 92,000. After deducting expenses, they earned a net profit of Rs 26,000. Encouraged by this success, they repaid the entire loan, including interest, within a year.
Building on their achievements, the group later availed a second loan of Rs 90,000. Part of the amount was invested in fish farming, while the remaining funds were utilized for producing traditional handicrafts such as Risa, Pachra, bags, and other handloom products.
The women also expanded their market reach by participating in major exhibitions and fairs, including the Agartala Handloom Expo, Saras Mela, State-Level Hojagiri Festival, and Pilak Archaeological and Tourism Festival. Their handmade bamboo and handloom products received appreciation from visitors, creating additional income opportunities. They also earned seasonal income by selling traditional food items during local Makar Sankranti fairs.
Speaking about the journey, SHG President Lalita Reang said that the members never imagined they could progress so far through their own initiatives. Today, their products are being sold at various fairs across the state, increasing both their income and confidence.
Secretary Phalayati Reang noted that the initiative has significantly improved the financial condition of their families, enabling them to better support their children's education and meet household needs.
Today, the Monai Self-Help Group is not only strengthening the economic condition of its members but also motivating other women in the area to form self-help groups and pursue entrepreneurship. Their success story demonstrates that with proper guidance, training, access to financial support, and collective effort, rural women can overcome challenges and establish themselves as successful entrepreneurs, contributing meaningfully to local economic development and social empowerment. FD SB