Sumati Mundari: From Tribal Roots to Empowered Agripreneur

Sumati Mundari, a tribal woman from Maidankel Panchayat in Odisha’s Keonjhar district, once lived a life filled with uncertainty. Like many women in her village, she juggled daily responsibilities while worrying about basic needs. Her family had limited resources, and opportunities for growth were scarce.

💡 Turning Point

Everything changed in 2019 when Sumati joined a women’s Self-Help Group supported by a cooperative initiative. With the group’s backing, she secured a ₹4 lakh bank loan and an additional ₹50,000 community investment fund. That moment sparked a new chapter.

Determined and fearless, Sumati used the funds to launch a diversified agricultural enterprise—poultry farming, duck rearing, vegetable cultivation, and a small dairy unit. These weren’t just projects; they were her path to independence.

👩‍👧 Family First

The income from her work—now over ₹1.64 lakh per year—transformed her household. Her daughter is pursuing engineering, and her son studies at a model school. For Sumati, success means more than money—it means her children’s futures are secure.

🏅 Recognition

Sumati’s achievements earned her a place among Odisha’s “Lakhpati Didis,” a title honoring rural women who break barriers through entrepreneurship. She was felicitated by the Chief Minister of Odisha, standing proudly as a representative of strength and determination.

🌍 Inspiring Others

Her success story is more than personal—it’s a beacon of hope for tribal and rural women across India. Through resilience and access to the right support systems, she proved that transformation is possible, even from the most humble beginnings.

Today, Sumati continues to inspire women in her region to dream bigger, take risks, and pursue independence. Her journey shows that courage, when combined with opportunity, can change lives—not just one, but many.