Forest dept plans organic sitafal, bamboo rejuvenation projects for tribals in Adilabad

The Forest department is mulling over another initiative called bamboo rejuvenation project, as part of which bamboo plants would be raised in 200 hectares in the Sathnala block between Bela and Jainath mandal at an estimated cost of Rs.3 crore.

Adilabad: In order to provide livelihood to local tribal communities, the Forest department has prepared proposals for two projects, plantation of Sitafal or custard apples (genus Annona) trees and bamboo rejuvenation in two different places of the district soon.

“A plantation of custard apple plants will be set up in 200 hectares in Echoda mandal with an aim to offer livelihood to Raj Gonds and Thottis who depend on gathering the fruits in the forests, spending around Rs.2 crore. A nursery and food processing unit are going to be established under the project,” District Forest Officer (DFO) Prashanth B Patil told ‘Telangana Today.’

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Training would be given to the tribals in preparing various dishes made of custard apples such as ice creams, puddings, deserts, etc., he said, adding that the beneficiaries would be able to find livelihood by making eatables and gathering the fruits in the first of its kind plantation titled Adilabad Forest Organic Sitafal.

Similarly, the Forest department is mulling over another initiative called bamboo rejuvenation project, as part of which bamboo plants would be raised in 200 hectares in the Sathnala block between Bela and Jainath mandal at an estimated cost of Rs.3 crore. Local tribals would be trained in manufacturing a wide range of products using bamboo and marketing as well, Forest officials said.

According to officials, the beneficiaries will undergo training in producing baskets, bags, mats, decorative items, compounds and other eco-friendly products made of bamboo. The department will take up both plantation of bamboo saplings and maintenance of the project. The prime objective of the initiative was to create livelihood to a particularly vulnerable tribal group, Kolams, who have also traditionally been relying on the occupation for many decades.

The DFO said discussions were already held with higher officials over commissioning the projects, cost, and scope of livelihood to be offered to indigenous tribal communities. The projects would be launched once the government gives its nod to the initiatives and grants funds, he said, adding that the projects would materialise in a month or two.