Tribal Livelihoods With Conservation Of Wild And Farm Biodiversity

Northern section of the western Ghats called Sahyadri mountain ranges are home to numerous tribes. Harishchadragadh and Ratangadh are the mountains marking the southern end of this tract. Tribal villages around these mountains are at the bottom of development spectrum. The tribals are dependent on gathering minor forest produce for their subsistence, apart from the little yield they earn from their rain-fed crops. Lokpanchayat has taken up livelihood security activities in 20 tribal habitations around the two mountains. It has encouraged fruit processing and sustainable honey extraction as viable micro-enterprises for the tribal villagers. Forest fruits like Karvanda, Jambhul, wild Mango and Aonla are available in a good quantity in the jungles. Lokpanchayat has organised the villagers in a cooperative society for processing, packing, branding and marketing of these fruits.