Tripura entrepreneur turns cow dung into decorative crafts and jobs

Lipi Bhowmik creates handmade decorative products and office supplies from cow dung in Khowai, Tripura, India.

Bhowmik uses cow dung as a primary raw material to manufacture items such as religious idols, diyas, office folders, and rakhis. By repurposing a resource traditionally used only for agriculture and household chores, she provides decorative and practical goods to her community. Her work relies on local resources and manual skills rather than expensive materials.

Bhowmik works as a member of the Loknath Self-Help Group, a collective platform that helps women share ideas and develop skills. She received a loan of ₹5.10 lakh from the Tripura Rural Livelihoods Mission to grow her business. This funding allowed her to diversify her work into natural farming, tailoring, and candle making. The enterprise creates jobs for other women in her village, providing them with ways to earn an income.

Bhowmik has earned the titles of Lakhpati Didi and Krishi Sakhi Didi for her contributions to entrepreneurship and agriculture. Her model shows how rural residents can use everyday materials to build sustainable livelihoods.