Women farmers in Tripura’s Mandwi region celebrate a bumper bitter gourd harvest under the World Bank-supported TRESP project, marking a milestone in rural empowerment, sustainable agriculture, and income generation among tribal communities through capacity building and technical support.
A wave of joy has swept through the tribal village of Khurumpui in Mandwi R.D. Block as women farmers from the Yakhili Producer Group celebrated a bumper harvest of bitter gourd under the Tripura Rural Economic Growth and Service Delivery Project (TRESP). Implemented by the Tribal Welfare Department and supported by the World Bank, the initiative has emerged as a catalyst for rural prosperity and women’s empowerment in Tripura’s tribal belts.
On Saturday, the women farmers proudly harvested 78 kilograms of bitter gourd, a result of meticulous planning, timely guidance, and community effort. The yield marks a significant achievement for the group, reflecting the tangible benefits of scientific farming practices introduced under the TRESP framework.
The produce, sold last week at ₹70 per kilogram, brought a substantial profit for the group, reinforcing confidence in their agricultural pursuits. With the crop capable of yielding multiple plucking throughout the season, the women anticipate consistent income in the weeks ahead.
According to a press release issued by the Tribal Welfare Department, the success is attributed to the technical supervision and mentoring provided by Hiralal Debbarma, Cluster Coordinator (Agriculture) under TRESP, and continuous field-level guidance from TSA (Technical Support Agency) experts. Their collective support ensured that the farmers could adopt improved cultivation techniques, manage crop cycles effectively, and market their produce efficiently.
“We had never imagined that our small plots could yield such returns,” said one of the women farmers from the Yakhili group. “With proper training and support, our fields are now a source of steady income for our families.”
A Model for Tribal Empowerment
The TRESP project, which covers 23 tribal-dominated blocks across Tripura, is transforming traditional farming practices into profitable, sustainable enterprises. The project’s comprehensive approach—spanning capacity building, modern agricultural inputs, skill enhancement, and market linkage—has proven to be a game-changer for many smallholder farmers, particularly women from indigenous communities.
By focusing on productivity-led growth, TRESP aims to strengthen the local economy while promoting inclusive development. The success of the Yakhili Producer Group in Mandwi stands as a shining example of this approach in action.
Subrata Shib, Agriculture Specialist, TRESP, has been actively monitoring the project’s agricultural component. He emphasized that regular supervision, on-field demonstrations, and feedback mechanisms have significantly improved crop management and reduced wastage.
“Our goal is not only to improve yield but also to ensure that farmers gain the knowledge and confidence to manage their farms sustainably,” Shib noted. “We are witnessing encouraging results, especially among women’s groups who are taking leadership roles in local agriculture.”
Sowing Seeds of Sustainable Livelihood
The transformation in Mandwi reflects a larger shift in Tripura’s rural landscape, where community-based producer groups are being empowered to lead local economic development. TRESP’s focus on empowering Janajati (tribal) women through technical and financial inclusion is aligning well with state and national rural development objectives.
Under the project, women farmers receive training on seed selection, pest management, soil health, irrigation efficiency, and post-harvest handling. Additionally, the creation of producer collectives has enabled better price negotiation and market access—challenges that often hinder small farmers in remote regions.
The income boost from the current harvest is expected to encourage more women to join the group and replicate the success in nearby villages. Local administrators believe that sustained support through TRESP can transform Mandwi into a model for agrarian self-reliance and gender-inclusive growth.
A Path Toward Prosperity
The ongoing success of the Yakhili Producer Group highlights the power of collaboration between government departments, development agencies, and rural communities. As TRESP continues to scale up across Tripura, it is laying the foundation for sustainable rural livelihoods, women’s leadership, and agricultural resilience.
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For the women of Mandwi, this harvest is more than just a financial gain—it is a symbol of empowerment, confidence, and collective progress. The rows of thriving bitter gourd plants stand as a testament to how knowledge, when coupled with opportunity, can change lives.
