Empowering Women Through Eco-Friendly Entrepreneurship in Himachal Pradesh

In Himachal Pradesh, the Jyoti Self-Help Group is transforming the lives of rural women through eco-friendly leaf plate production. Hety Devi, a key member, has turned a traditional craft into a thriving business, significantly increasing her income with the help of modern machinery and digital platforms. The group, formed in 2018, has received government support, enabling them to strengthen their economic base and promote self-reliance among women. This initiative highlights the importance of government collaboration and local skills in fostering sustainable livelihoods. Read on to learn more about this inspiring story of empowerment.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 12, 2026, 07:46 IST

Rural Women Thrive with Eco-Friendly Leaf Plate Production

Munish Sood
Mandi

In a remarkable showcase of rural entrepreneurship and women's empowerment, the Jyoti Self-Help Group in Bihandhar village, located near Mandi, is achieving financial self-sufficiency by producing eco-friendly leaf plates.

Hety Devi stands out as a notable success story within this group. Since joining in 2018 and currently serving as the secretary, she has transformed a traditional craft into a reliable income source by creating biodegradable pattal (leaf plates) from Tour tree leaves, commonly used in weddings and community gatherings.

Initially, Hety Devi crafted these plates by hand, earning around ₹5,000 monthly. However, her earnings significantly increased after 2023 when she acquired a plate-making machine from the local development block. With this mechanization, her monthly income has risen to about ₹10,000, fluctuating with market demand. The Himachal Pradesh State Rural Livelihood Mission has been instrumental in supporting such initiatives.

The group has established a transparent pricing model, with handmade plates priced at ₹200 for a hundred and machine-made plates at ₹400 for the same quantity. Handmade leaf bowls (doonas) are sold at ₹100 per hundred, while their machine-made counterparts are priced at ₹200 per hundred.

Embracing modernity, the group has also utilized digital platforms to broaden its customer base. Hety Devi noted, “We now receive orders via mobile phones, which has streamlined our operations,” expressing her appreciation to Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu for backing these livelihood projects.

Tripta Devi, the president of the Jyoti Self-Help Group, shared that the group, established in 2018, comprises six women and has received a revolving fund of ₹40,000 from the government. This funding has facilitated internal lending among members, bolstering their economic foundation. The group generates an annual income ranging from ₹1 lakh to ₹1.5 lakh through their enterprise, aiding in household sustainability. The government has also assisted in providing machinery to enhance production capacity.

Deputy Commissioner Apurva Devgan emphasized the crucial role self-help groups play in fostering women's self-reliance at the grassroots level. He mentioned that the district administration is committed to strengthening these groups in accordance with government policies.

This initiative exemplifies how the collaboration of government support, local skills, and market access is fostering sustainable livelihoods and empowering rural women in Himachal Pradesh.