Union Rural Development official T. Thakur Khalkho reviewed women-led livelihood initiatives in Unakoti, highlighting TRLM-supported enterprises, natural farming, skill development, value addition and collective efforts by women SHG members.
As part of her three-day visit to Tripura, T. Thakur Khalkho, Joint Secretary and Financial Advisor, Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India, visited the Unakoti District Mission Management Unit (DMMU) to review and witness various livelihood activities undertaken by women Self Help Group (SHG) members with the support of the Tripura Rural Livelihood Mission (TRLM).
Khalkho was accompanied by the CEO of TRLM, Tarit Kanti Chakma, District Magistrate and Collector of Unakoti, Megha Jain, and other officials from TRLM. During the visit, the delegation toured several women-led livelihood initiatives established and supported under TRLM, providing an overview of the progress being made in promoting rural enterprise and sustainable income generation.
The initiatives visited included a Packaging Unit, a Training Centre supported by USHA, an Aggregation Centre, Sampanna – a natural farming unit, and the Sanjog Canteen. These initiatives represent different aspects of livelihood development, including enterprise management, skill development, natural farming, value addition and collective economic activities.
During her interaction with women SHG members, Khalkho observed the efforts being made to create sustainable livelihoods through community-based enterprises. The initiatives demonstrated how women members are participating in income-generating activities while developing skills and strengthening their role in local economic development.
The visit also provided an opportunity for the Union Rural Development official to interact directly with SHG members and learn about their experiences. The women highlighted how support through TRLM has helped them explore different livelihood opportunities, improve their skills, diversify income sources and participate in collective initiatives.
The natural farming initiative, Sampanna, was among the activities that reflected the focus on sustainable agricultural practices and livelihood generation. Meanwhile, the Packaging Unit and Aggregation Centre demonstrated the importance of value addition, collective production and organised marketing in improving opportunities for rural communities.
The Training Centre supported by USHA also highlighted the role of skill development in helping women SHG members strengthen their capacities and undertake livelihood activities. The Sanjog Canteen further showcased how community-based enterprises can create opportunities for women while serving local needs.
Officials accompanying Khalkho said the initiatives reflect the broader objectives of rural livelihood programmes, particularly the promotion of women’s empowerment through collective action, entrepreneurship and sustainable economic activities. The focus on skill development, natural farming, value addition and enterprise development is aimed at creating stronger livelihood opportunities for rural households.
The visit also highlighted the growing contribution of women SHG members to community-based economic activities in Unakoti. Through collective initiatives and institutional support, the women are participating in enterprises that can contribute to household income as well as the wider rural economy.
Khalkho’s visit to the Unakoti DMMU provided an opportunity to review the implementation of livelihood initiatives on the ground and observe the participation of women in different economic activities. The interaction with SHG members also brought attention to the importance of continued support, capacity building and expansion of sustainable livelihood opportunities.
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The visit is expected to provide greater visibility to the women-led initiatives being undertaken through TRLM and strengthen attention towards enterprise development, natural farming, skill enhancement and value-added livelihood activities in rural Tripura.
