Agartala, Aug 28: Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha on Thursday inaugurated a three-day national-level workshop on Integrated Farming Clusters for North Eastern states at the Polo Tower, Agartala. The workshop has been jointly organised by the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India, and Tripura Rural Livelihood Mission (TRLM).
Speaking at the inaugural session, the Chief Minister said farmers are the backbone of the nation and play a vital role in strengthening the economy as well as contributing to the overall development of Tripura. “A prosperous and self-reliant family is one of the foundations of a strong state. The government is committed to empowering women, strengthening the rural economy, and making Tripura self-reliant,” he remarked.
Dr. Saha said that under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana–National Rural Livelihood Mission, the Government of India has introduced the Integrated Farming Cluster (IFC) model to boost rural livelihoods and enhance women’s income through self-help groups (SHGs).
In Tripura, work is underway to set up 80 Integrated Farming Clusters with an investment of ₹32 crore. Each IFC will bring together 250–300 small and marginal farmers linked to a Livelihood Service Centre, supported by Krishi Sakhis, Pashu Sakhis, Matsya Sakhis, and Community Resource Persons to provide technical assistance.
The Chief Minister highlighted the achievements of TRLM, noting that so far 54,113 SHGs, 2,470 village organisations, and 173 cluster-level federations have been formed, involving nearly 4.85 lakh women. Additionally, 2,628 producer groups and 118 non-farm collectives have been established to promote livelihood activities. To support SHGs, banks have extended loans along with revolving and community investment funds.
Dr. Saha said over 3.13 lakh women farmers in Tripura have received support for agriculture and allied activities such as livestock rearing, fisheries, and micro-enterprises. “Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set the vision of creating ‘Lakhpati Didis’ across rural India as part of women’s economic empowerment. Tripura has already created 1,08,281 Lakhpati Didis,” he added.
The Chief Minister also expressed hope for the success of the three-day workshop and underlined the government’s commitment to women’s self-reliance and rural prosperity.
Earlier, the workshop began with welcome remarks by Abhishek Singh, Secretary of Rural Development, Tripura. Senior officials including Rajeshwari S.M., Director, Ministry of Rural Development, and Raman Wadhwa, Deputy Director, DAY-NRLM, also spoke on the occasion. Tarit Kanti Chakma, CEO of TRLM, proposed the vote of thanks.
On the sidelines of the event, the Chief Minister along with dignitaries unveiled two booklets published by the department, and a documentary highlighting the achievements of TRLM was screened.
