Patna: A combination of traditional craftsmanship, entrepreneurship and access to self-help group (SHG) credit has helped Amna Khatoon of Sheohar district build a growing business in traditional lahthi (lac bangles), after years of financial hardship.A resident of Dostia village in Purnhiya block of Sheohar district, Amna has four children. Her husband worked as a tailor in Ludhiana, Punjab, but his earnings were insufficient to significantly improve the family’s financial condition. She subsequently joined an SHG, through which she accessed credit and began her entrepreneurial journey.Amna, a member of the Aala Hazrat SHG group since 2017, began making natural lahthi bangles using lac resin extracted from trees in 2020. According to officials of the rural development department (RDD), her annual turnover from the business has now reached Rs15-20 lakh.Lahthi, considered auspicious among women, is particularly in demand during the wedding season and festivals. Amna tapped the existing market in Bihar and other parts of north India.Her unit currently employs around 13 women from her village, including 10 SHG members. She earns an annual net profit of Rs 5-6 lakh. She initially took a Rs40,000 loan through her SHG and made a profit of Rs7,000 in 2020.Products made by her unit are sold at more than 25-30 shops in Sheohar and Sitamarhi towns. They have also reached markets in Patna, Delhi, Gurugram and Varanasi, besides fairs in Deoghar, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, according to RDD officials.“Till now, she has taken loans from the SHG totalling Rs9.75 lakh and has made 100% repayment. At present, she is investing Rs20-25 lakh and is determined to expand the market for her products to foreign markets,” RDD officials said.RDD minister Shrawan Kumar praised Amna’s achievement and said it could serve as an example for other SHG members.“I extend my greetings to Amna for her success in lahthi manufacturing and trade, and hope that she will be an inspiration for others, as lakhs of Jeevika Didis are busy writing their own stories,” Kumar said.
