A joint technical team from the World Bank and FAO visited the Jora Agri Producer Group (PG) under Maharanipur Village Committee in Mungiakami RD Block, Khowai district, marking a significant step in strengthening livelihood initiatives under the Tripura Rural Economic Growth and Service Delivery Project (TRESP). The visit witnessed active participation from block-level officials, along with members of the District Project Management Unit (DPMU), State Project Management Unit (SPMU), and the Technical Support Agency (TSA).
Key officials present included Mungiakami BDO Avijit Kumar Das and BPM Purba Deb, alongside other functionaries closely involved in project implementation. The visiting delegation comprised Erick Zeballos Soruco, Kamlesh Prasad, Alessandra Borrello, and Shouvik Mitra, who engaged extensively with field-level activities and stakeholders.
During the visit, the team conducted a comprehensive review of on-ground interventions, focusing on the functioning of the producer group and its role in enhancing rural livelihoods. They interacted directly with PG members to assess participation levels, income generation, and overall socio-economic impact. Particular attention was given to ash gourd cultivation, which has emerged as a successful model under the group-based approach. Farmers shared their experiences, highlighting improved practices, better yields, and collective marketing benefits.
The delegation appreciated the progress achieved so far, especially the strong sense of community ownership and coordinated efforts among stakeholders. They also offered constructive suggestions aimed at strengthening sustainability, improving market linkages, and scaling up successful practices under TRESP.
The visit concluded on an encouraging note, reflecting effective collaboration between implementing agencies and the community. It reaffirmed a shared commitment to enhancing rural livelihoods and ensuring long-term economic resilience for producer groups in the region.
