BY TC News Desk
Agartala, 30th December 2025: Kalyanpur RD Block’s South Ghilatali Gram Panchayat has witnessed a remarkable example of rural self-reliance through the efforts of tribal woman Padma Rani Debbarma, a resident of Watilong Para. Despite limited resources and financial uncertainty, she has turned duck rearing into her primary livelihood, steadily moving towards economic independence.
Her success story has become a source of inspiration across the community. The Voluntary Health Association of Tripura (VHAT), with financial support from NABARD, has long been implementing the Tribal Development Fund (TDF) project in Kalyanpur to improve the socio-economic conditions of tribal and marginalized communities. As part of this initiative, Padma Rani was selected as a beneficiary last year and provided with 60 ducklings, along with feed, housing support, disease-prevention guidance, and technical assistance.
Rather than relying solely on project support, she used it as a starting point. Through careful planning, hard work, and perseverance, she gradually transformed duck rearing into a profitable venture. By selling some ducks, she raised capital to purchase more ducklings, while regular income from egg sales ensured financial stability. Today, her enterprise has evolved into a well-organized and sustainable livelihood model.
Speaking to the correspondent, Padma Rani said, “The combination of project support and my own initiative has been the key to success. Initially, there were many challenges, but with growing experience I can now manage household expenses and even save a little.”
Looking ahead, she plans to expand operations by utilizing her pond more systematically, increasing the number of ducks, boosting egg production, and strengthening market linkages to double her income. She also envisions forming a small women’s collective in the village to promote group-based duck farming.
Padma Rani’s journey is more than a personal achievement—it stands as a powerful example of women’s empowerment and self-reliance in rural tribal communities. Her story demonstrates that with proper guidance and support, women in Tripura’s villages can take confident strides towards economic independence.
