Government of India
Kiran Dohre
State : Madhya Pradesh
District : Jabalpur
Block : Panagar
Village : Ghana
Self Help Group : Pari Self-Help Group
Livelihood Activity : Betel Nut Processing
Lakhpati Didi Journey
Kiran Dohre from Ghana village was earning very little from her manual betel nut cutting work. She would spend hours cutting betel nuts by hand, but her income was only ₹150-₹200 per day. Her husband also worked as a labourer, but the family found it hard to meet financial needs. Later She joined Pari Self Help Group with 15 other women and took her first steps toward financial independence.
With support from the Self Help Group, Kiran’s learned about a machine that could automate the betel nut cutting process. She took a loan of ₹10,000 under the Chief Minister’s Rural Street Vendor Scheme and purchased an electric betel nut cutter. This drastically improved her productivity, allowing her to cut 12 kg of betel nut per hour compared to just 1 kg when done manually.
The increase in productivity allowed her to fulfill larger orders and expand her business. Her income grew significantly and able to repay her loan and invest further in her business. Today, Kiran not only earns more but also manages her time better, with extra hours to focus on her family and personal development. Her journey is an inspiring example of how access to the right tools and resources can change lives. Her income is around Rs 15,000/- per month from betel nut processing.
