Agartala, Sep 20,2025| SKY LINK TIMES
The five-day hands-on training in pearl grafting for differently abled tribal farmers organised by the ICAR Tripura Centre, marking a significant step toward empowering marginalized farming communities through aquaculture-based livelihood opportunities.
The training, held from September 15–22, 2025, was organized under the DST-funded project “Multilayered Agricultural Strategies for Income and Nutritional Security of Cashcrop Plantation Workers of Lefunga Block.”
Empowering Farmers Through Skill Development
The workshop aimed to impart practical knowledge in pearl culture and aquaculture of high-value species, equipping farmers with a sustainable source of income. The training was led by ICAR Tripura scientists Dr. Rekha Das, Dr. Kouberi Nath, and Dr. Pradip Kumar Sarkar, in collaboration with networking partners Dr. Dhalongsai Reang and Dr. Angom Lenin Singh from ICAR-CIFE, Mumbai.
Master trainer Shri Budhan Singh Purty, CEO of Purty Agrotech, Ranchi, expressed admiration for the trainees’ enthusiasm and skill, noting that their participation exceeded expectations. He also assured that Purty Agrotech would support market linkage for the farmers, ensuring income opportunities beyond training.
Support from Experts and Institutions
The valedictory brainstorming session was chaired by Dr. B.U. Choudhury, Head of the ICAR Tripura Centre. The event was attended by dignitaries including:
Sri Diganto Das, Deputy GM, NABARD, Tripura, Sri Anjan Sengupta, JD, DBT, Tripura Dr. A.B. Patel, Dean, College of Fisheries Dr. Narendra Reang, BDO, Lefunga Dr. Drona Sarkar, Fishery Officer, Lefunga Block Local representatives including Sanjit Debbarma, Chairperson of Shambhurampara Village Council, and Biswachandra Debbarma, MD, Tui Bukma FPC
The experts discussed a roadmap for sustainable pearl farming in the region, helping trainees establish themselves as independent aquaculture entrepreneurs.
Certificates, Kits & Future Roadmap
The trainees, who received certificates of completion, expressed optimism about their future with the newly acquired skills. To support them further, the project team announced field visits to individual farms to design customized solutions for local challenges.
ALSO RRAD: https://skylinktimes.in/potato-yield-by-90-with-apical-rooted-cutting-technology/
Each trainee will also receive pearl grafting kits and accessories, enabling them to begin independent pearl farming operations after the evaluation phase.
How Farmers Can Be Benefited from Pearl Grafting Training?
New Livelihood Opportunities –Farmers can diversify income sources beyond traditional farming through high-value pearl culture.
Market Linkage Support – Partnership with Purty Agrotech ensures farmers can directly sell their cultured pearls, reducing middlemen losses.
Skill Empowerment – Hands-on training in pearl grafting equips farmers with technical know-how for long-term self-reliance.
Financial Inclusion – NABARD and other institutions’ involvement opens access to credit, subsidies, and government support schemes.
Nutritional & Economic Security – Strengthening aquaculture helps improve dietary diversity and adds stable income.
Sustainable Farming – Pearl culture requires less land and water compared to traditional farming, making it eco-friendly.
Inclusive Growth – Special focus on differently abled tribal farmers ensures social equity and opportunities for marginalized groups.
Starter Kits & Follow-up Support – Trainees receive pearl grafting kits and expert visits, helping them start pearl farming independently.
Building a Brighter Future
The initiative is expected to significantly boost the livelihoods of differently abled tribal farmers by:
Providing sustainable income opportunities through pearl culture Creating market linkages with industry support from Purty Agrotech Ensuring nutritional security and self-reliance in Lefunga Block communities
With the combined efforts of ICAR Tripura, DST, and Purty Agrotech, this project is poised to transform rural livelihoods and contribute to the state’s aquaculture growth.
For More Info Stay Tuned: https://skylinktimes.in
