In rural Bokaro, women’s fruits of labour turn them into ‘Lakhpati Didis’

Bokaro: Till some years back, Vibha Kumari’s family had to depend on her husband’s migration for livelihood. But all that changed in 2019. Vibha (25) of Murhulsudi village in Kasmar block of Bokaro planted mango saplings on 50 decimals of barren land. With patience and consistent effort, the orchard began yielding fruits.

Last year, she earned more than Rs 1 lakh, bought a two-wheeler, and her husband returned home to join the venture. “I am growing too,” Vibha said.

Like her, many have managed to turn around their fortunes. What was once unproductive barren land across Bokaro’s villages has turned into a symbol of prosperity, as hundreds of rural women rewrite their success stories through mango cultivation, earning the tag of ‘Lakhpati Didis’.

In Singhpur panchayat, Urmila Kumari turned two acres of barren land into a mango orchard. Today, she earns more than Rs 1.5 lakh annually through mango cultivation and intercropping. “The additional income enabled me to provide better education to the children and improve my family’s standard of living,” Urmila (35) said.

These success stories are part of a larger transformation under the Birsa Harit Gram Yojana, which has helped convert nearly 4,500 acres of barren land into mango orchards over the past eight years in Bokaro district. Around 5,500 farmers are benefiting, with women forming a significant share.

The achievements were showcased at the Amralika Mango Festival in Bokaro recently, where women farmers marketed premium varieties such as Mallika, Amrapali and Langra. In Bokaro, Amrapali and Mallika dominate production, highlighting the district’s growing horticulture potential.

Deputy commissioner Ajay Nath Jha said, “Over 50 tonnes of mangoes have been produced in the district this year. Beyond output, the initiative has led to migrant workers returning home, improved education for children and greater financial independence for women.”

Anil Dungdung, district programme manager, Jharkhand State Livelihood Promotion Society (JSLPS), an arm of the state govt, said, “Today, Bokaro has more than 900 ‘Lakhpati Didis’ who stand as living examples of how determination, training and access to opportunities can transform barren land into thriving orchards.”