CHENNAI: The tribal welfare directorate under its new project, Ainthinai, will adopt a cluster-wise approach where tribal regions will be provided customised development programmes catering to the needs and strengths of each cluster. To implement the project with professional help, the directorate has partnered with six government institutions that have specialised knowledge in different areas.
The institutions are Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Central Institute of Agricultural Engineering, Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture, Indian Institute of Millets Research and Annamalai University.
“The institutions will study a particular tribal region and provide suggestions to improve the livelihood in the region. The scheme aims to create sustainable livelihood development, bring reforms in agricultural practices, formation of societies to create unity and foster the growth of micro-enterprises to eliminate intermediaries. The total project cost will be `16 crore,” said Annadurai, tribal welfare director.
One of the major initiatives will be the formation of 12 societies that will handle Rs 25 lakh worth of agriculture machinery banks in each tribal belt. The Coimbatore regional station of CIAE will provide technical guidance and inputs for the selection of machinery and equipment. Indian Council of Agricultural Research would also provide capacity building to farmers to ensure the effective use and maintenance of machinery.
Furthermore, TANUVAS will spearhead initiatives to promote scientific practices in goat and poultry rearing, offering additional employment avenues for tribal women.
Recognising the potential of horticulture within ST communities, IIHR will bridge gaps like limited knowledge about modern horticultural practices, dependance on ancestral seeds, lack of irrigation infrastructure, and introduce modern practices to enhance yields. Leveraging expertise from IIMR, the project aims to triple millet production through on-farm demonstrations in selected areas and the provision of mini-seed kits, while also preserving traditional biodiversity. To promote micro-enterprises agri-allied business inventions like eri silk production, beekeeping, mushroom production and value addition to agriculture products will be done. The tribal groups will also be linked with the market to eliminate intermediaries.
Irula tribal families residing in coastal areas of Pulicat in Tiruvallur face loss of livelihood due to urbanisation and habitat modification. Through dissemination of advanced technologies in aquaculture and fish farming, the project aims to mitigate unemployment and preserve traditional livelihoods among tribal families and youth.