Kodagu: Residents of the tribal song in the Maldare range are now stepping into self-reliance. Adivasis have difficulty collecting and selling forest products after the government’s tightening laws. The former had to look to the outside work for earning a living in the wilderness. Because of being uneducated, mercenary work was inevitable and began working for someone else’s coffee plantation and barns on a daily basis.
Government incentives
The government is also the backbone of the tribal people who own agricultural land in the forest. This relationship project has been formulated through various programs including ITDP and has been practically implemented in Virajpet Taluk. The Maharishi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation, Tribal Coffee Development Project and Coffee Board have joined with ITDP.
Distribution of hundreds of plants
Through the Comprehensive Tribal Development Scheme, pepper plants are distributed free of charge to tribal members who are members of the Adivasi Coffee and Black Pepper Growers Association. Hundreds of plants have already been distributed to growers in the Maldare Gram Panchayat Court, Govt. This is a four-year project, with departmental officials providing the necessary information and advice to the Adivasis dream of becoming a grower themselves.
Adivasis residing in forests have been given pepper plants by the government and various departments for sustaining agriculture. We are happy to plant these on our own farm.
YMKala, President, Adivasi Coffee and Pepper Growers Association
By the State Government and the Coffee Board on Comprehensive Tribal Development Scheme for the Development of Tribal Farmers
Adivasi people are being encouraged to grow coffee and black pepper through ITDP.
Shivakumar, District ITDP Officer
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