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Background

Tripura and Meghalaya are resource-rich states with strong bamboo, banana and pineapple value chains. Yet women remain largely excluded from their economic potential, with female workforce participation at only around 25%. The problem identified was not lack of resources, but the absence of localised, market-linked and women-owned livelihood models. This project addresses that gap by enabling women to convert regional resources into climate-resilient enterprises, formal income opportunities and community-led value chains. 

Scope of Intervention

This project has three major components: a bamboo-based innovation unit in Tripura, banana and pineapple fibre production units in Meghalaya, and ecotourism and eco-stays in Meghalaya. Under this intervention, livelihood units are being set up and strengthened with capacity building, training of women weavers, artisans and community members, branding support, and forward and backward market linkages. The project aims to directly benefit over 500 women by building local, women-led enterprises that create sustained income while promoting climate-resilient livelihoods. 

Program Lead & Collaborators

Led by PCI India, the project partners with:

  • ICAR–National Institute of Natural Fibre Engineering and Technology for technical advisory, training, knowledge
  • Tripura Bamboo Mission for convergence and site identification
  • Tripura State Rural Livelihood Mission as government partner for beneficiary identification, mobilisation, and market linkage
  • HDFC as funding partner 

The programme

The project is designed as an integrated livelihood initiative that creates sustainable, women-led economic opportunities by leveraging locally available natural resources, appropriate technologies and community enterprises across the Northeast.

  • Green livelihoods through bamboo innovation in Tripura: The project established a climate-resilient bamboo innovation centre that supports value-added bamboo enterprises through bamboo salt production, bamboo weaving and blind-making. The centre includes artisan training facilities, administrative space and storage infrastructure, enabling women to develop entrepreneurial skills, improve product quality and access sustainable livelihood opportunities.
  • Banana and pineapple fibre-based livelihoods in Meghalaya: The project developed a value chain for converting agricultural residues into high-value natural fibre products by establishing a 0.5 tonne per day fibre extraction and fabric production facility. The unit incorporates clean processing technologies, hybrid solar-electric drying systems, spinning, weaving, packaging and biomass recycling, creating green jobs while promoting resource efficiency and circular economy practices.
  • Community-led eco-tourism in Dawki, Meghalaya: The project designed an end-to-end eco-tourism model that combines sustainable infrastructure with community enterprise development. The intervention includes riverfront facilities, water sports equipment, visitor safety systems, nature trails, stargazing zones, biodiversity interpretation, and capacity building for local communities, creating diversified livelihood opportunities while conserving the region’s natural and cultural heritage.

Outcome

The project aims at:

  • Enhanced and diversified livelihood opportunities for women through sustainable, community-owned enterprises.
  • Increased value addition to local natural resources and agricultural waste, leading to higher incomes and improved market access.
  • Strengthened climate resilience and circular economy practices through resource-efficient production and eco-friendly technologies.
  • Improved community capacity for enterprise management, skill development and sustainable eco-tourism, fostering long-term local economic grow.