Agartala, December 25, 2025: A women-led Self Help Group (SHG) named Star Mahila Dal, operating under the Tripura Rural Livelihood Mission (TRLM), has emerged as a model of rural entrepreneurship in Salgrah Gram Panchayat, Tepania RD Block, Gomati district.
The group, comprising members Swapna Debnath, Rupali Dutta, Manju Saha, Madhabi Saha, Ratna Karmakar, Kakali Shil, and Sampa Das Debnath, has successfully transformed traditional knowledge into a sustainable livelihood initiative by producing herbal Blue Tea from butterfly pea flowers.
Formed to strengthen non-farm livelihood opportunities for rural women, Star Mahila Dal identified the growing demand for herbal and health-based products. Leveraging indigenous knowledge, the group began producing Blue Tea, a beverage known for its natural color, health benefits, and eco-friendly qualities.
The members received skill development training in tea production, processing, drying, and packaging. Support was extended in the form of raw materials, basic equipment, and improved packaging solutions. Guidance on hygiene, quality control, branding, and labeling ensured the product met market standards. Market linkages were facilitated through local bazaars, Saras fairs, and exhibitions, enabling direct interaction with customers.
Initially, the women faced hurdles such as limited income opportunities, lack of technical know-how, and absence of organized production and marketing systems. Concerns also loomed over whether a new herbal product like Blue Tea would gain acceptance in the market.
Through collective effort and continuous capacity building, the group successfully established Blue Tea as a marketable herbal product. Regular production has generated additional income for members, while positive feedback at fairs and local markets boosted their confidence. Overcoming the fear of market failure, the women have embraced entrepreneurship with renewed self-belief.
The initiative has improved the economic condition of SHG members, enhanced their leadership and entrepreneurial skills, and raised awareness about herbal and health-based products. It has also inspired other rural women to explore sustainable livelihood practices.
Star Mahila Dal aims to expand production, improve packaging and shelf life, introduce new flavors of Blue Tea, and tap into online platforms and wider Saras marketing channels. The group also envisions creating more employment opportunities for rural women.
The success of Star Mahila Dal – Blue Tea demonstrates how rural women, with determination and institutional support, can transform natural resources into sustainable enterprises. The initiative stands as a testament to TRLM’s mission of women’s empowerment and livelihood development in Tripura.
