Reported by Mrinal Banik
Agartala: A high-level team from the World Bank and experts from the Food and Agriculture Organization visited multiple rural development blocks in Tripura to review the implementation of the Tripura Rural Economic Growth and Service Delivery Project (TRESP) and assess livelihood activities undertaken by grassroots institutions, officials said.
The delegation conducted field inspections in Jampuijala RD Block, Mungiakami RD Block in Khowai district, and Tulasikhar RD Block, interacting with Producer Groups (PGs), Self Help Groups (SHGs), and Cluster Level Federations (CLFs).
In Jampuijala RD Block, the team visited Risha Agri and Horti PG and Hamjora Fishery PG, where members shared their experiences of income generation, skill development, and market access under TRESP interventions.
Officials said the team reviewed agricultural, horticultural, and fisheries activities and assessed the role of community-based institutions in livelihood promotion.
At Mungiakami RD Block, the team visited the Jora Agri Producer Group under Maharanipur village committee and reviewed on-ground implementation of project activities, with a focus on ash gourd cultivation.
Officials from the block level, District Project Management Unit (DPMU), State Project Management Unit (SPMU), and Technical Support Agency (TSA) were present during the visit. Members of the visiting team included Erick Zeballos Soruco, Kamlesh Prasad, Alessandra Borrello, and Shouvik Mitra.
Officials said interactions were held with PG members to assess participation levels and the impact of interventions. The team also reviewed institutional mechanisms, capacity-building initiatives, and livelihood diversification efforts across locations.
In Tulasikhar RD Block, the delegation inspected economic and social activities carried out by SHGs and CLFs. A member of the visiting team said, “They have come all the way from Rome, Italy, to understand what kind of activities CLFs and SHGs are carrying out here in the state and how best practices could be adopted for mutual benefit.”
Block Development Officer of Tulasikhar RD Block, Biswa Debbarma, said, “The World Bank representatives have arrived here to study the activities of our cluster level federation. A very fruitful interactive session was organised during their visit.” He added that the delegates also shared suggestions with SHG members during the interaction.
Officials said the delegation also interacted with CLFs and training centres across the blocks to review capacity-building efforts and enterprise promotion under TRESP.
TRESP is a World Bank-funded project implemented by the Tribal Welfare Department. It aims to promote sustainable livelihood models in tribal areas by strengthening community institutions and improving access to resources and services.
The visit concluded with feedback and suggestions from the delegation for further strengthening implementation and expanding livelihood opportunities, officials said.