The Tripura government is aggressively pushing to transform the rural economy and empower tribal communities through the Tripura Rural Economic Growth and Service Delivery Project (TRESP). Speaking at a state-level workshop and kit distribution programme at Pragna Bhavan on Thursday, Animal Resource Development, Fisheries, and SC Welfare Minister Sudhangshu Das unveiled the department’s new logo and re-emphasized the government’s commitment to making rural women self-reliant.
Launched two years ago with funding assistance from the World Bank under an 80:20 pattern, TRESP has fast become a flagship development initiative, particularly within the Autonomous District Council (ADC) areas. The project strategically targets economic growth by forming Producer Groups (PGs) consisting of 20 to 30 women, primarily sourced from existing self-help groups. These women receive specialized training and resource kits in high-demand livestock sectors, including piggery, poultry, and allied activities.
To ensure the long-term sustainability of these ventures, the beneficiaries are closely guided by specialized master trainers, known as Pashu Sakhis and Matsya Sakhis. Additionally, vital financial backing is being channeled through the Tripura Rural Livelihood Mission (TRLM) to help families establish steady revenue streams.
Minister Das highlighted that Tripura is experiencing a surging domestic demand for meat, milk, and eggs. By scaling up local production through TRESP, the government aims to fulfill this market gap while simultaneously elevating the socio-economic status of marginalized tribal households, paving the way for sustainable rural prosperity.