Agartala, Nov 2 :In a push to strengthen rural livelihoods, empower women and promote sustainable agriculture, two development projects supported by NABARD were launched in Tripura's Unakoti district on October 31, alongside the inauguration of a Common Facility Centre (CFC) for trained artisans.
The programmes were formally launched by Tanushree Bhattacharya, General Manager of the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development's (NABARD) Tripura Regional Office, in the presence of officials from the district administration, Tripura Rural Livelihood Mission (TRLM), College of Agriculture and NGO Growing Seed, which is implementing the initiatives.
One of the projects, the Artisan Empowerment Initiative: Skilling Rural SHG Women in Handicrafts at Chandipur, is being implemented under NABARD's Micro Enterprise Development Programme (MEDP).
It aims to train 30 women from rural self-help groups (SHGs) in handicraft-making, enabling them to establish micro-enterprises, improve their earning potential and achieve greater financial independence.
The second project, SRIJAN (Sustainable Rural Innovation and Joint Action for Integrated Farming), seeks to enhance rural incomes through diversified and sustainable agricultural practices.
Around 150 beneficiaries will receive training, technical guidance and skill development support to adopt integrated farming methods aimed at improving agricultural productivity and generating additional household income.
A major highlight of the programme was the inauguration of a Common Facility Centre at Chirakkiti under Gournagar block. Established through NABARD's Livelihood and Enterprise Development Programme (LEDP), the centre will support 60 artisans who had earlier received specialised training in handloom and handicrafts.
The facility has production infrastructure and a dedicated sales outlet, enabling artisans to manufacture, display and market their products from a common platform. It is also expected to strengthen market linkages and help local producers reach a wider consumer base.
Officials said the initiatives are aimed at creating sustainable livelihood opportunities, enhancing women's participation in economic activities and promoting skill-based entrepreneurship.
By combining training, enterprise support and improved market access, the projects are expected to strengthen the rural economy, preserve traditional handicrafts and encourage environmentally sustainable farming practices.
The initiatives are also expected to help beneficiaries diversify their income sources and reduce dependence on traditional livelihoods.
