‘Maathota' programme to benefit a thousand tribal families

NABARD is giving a grant of Rs.4 crores to implement the programme

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The scheme is aimed at growing mangoes, amla and jack fruit

Kovel Foundation is focussing on promoting tribal livelihoods

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BANGARAMMAPETA (VISAKHAPATNAM DT.), India: A traditional puja by tribal purohit Somela Guravaiah in the one-acre land of Gemmela Mallesh and Lakshmi in this hamlet in Anantagiri mandal of the district marked the launching of NABARD-funded planting of horticulture and non-forest timber produce (NFTP) on Sunday.

The scheme christened ‘Maathota’ is aimed at growing mangoes, amla, jackfruit along with gum karaya and kondagogu, both gum generating species, which are on verge of extinction.

The project is first of its kind in the country. NABARD is giving a grant of Rs.4 crores to implement the programme through Kovel Foundation, an NGO in an area of 1,000 acres belonging to tribals at the rate one acre per family.

After puja amid the beats of dappu and sannai, mango saplings were planted. In the first phase, plantation is done in an area of 200 acres.

It is envisaged to take up plantation under the scheme in 400 acres in second year and in another 400 acres in the third year so as to create an income of Rs.50,000 to Rs.1 lakh per annum from sixth year onwards.

The farmers will be motivated to promote organic farming.

Tribal dependence on NTFPs like gums, amla, tamarind, adda leaf and medicinal plants besides horticulture has been very prominent for livelihood contribution. Unfortunately, some of the NTFPs like gums and amla plants are on the decline and procurement is also falling due to unscientific harvesting practices.

“The new programme has raised our hopes of leading a prosperous life after some years. It is a God-gifted scheme and we have taken the pledge to make Maathota a mass movement,” declared a jubilant Mahesh after a motley crowd visited his farmland.

Kovel Foundation is focussing on promoting and enhancing tribal livelihoods in AP and has identified land and water resources development as key intervention to take up horticulture and NTFP in the own lands of tribals for self-sustenance.

“We are very hopeful about the success of the project. Depending on its outcome, it will be replicated elsewhere,” said NABARD Assistant General Manager Choalla Udayabhaskar.

The first phase covers 19 villages in Pedabidda, Bheempolu, Kahsipatnam, Pinakota and Pedakota panchayats.

Land development with soil moisture conservation interventions like farm bunds, diversion channels, rock-fill dams, trenches will be done besides providing support for kerosene engines, storage tanks and piles for water support, pointed out V. Krishna Rao, CEO of Kovel Foundation.

Reference Link
http://www.hindu.com/2010/03/15/stories/2010031561130600.htm

Courtesy
The Hindu