YSR Horticultural University, ITDA-Chintur Sign MoU to Boost Tribal Livelihoods
To promote palm-jaggery and Neera-based livelihoods and increase the incomes of tribal communities
KAKINADA: Dr Y.S.R. Horticultural University and ITDA-Chintur have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to promote palm-jaggery and Neera-based livelihoods and increase the incomes of tribal communities.
The MoU was exchanged by University vice-chancellor Kattupalli Dhanunjaya Rao, Registrar M. Madhavi and ITDA project officer Shubham Nokhwal in the presence of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu at Amaravati on Sunday on the occasion of National Adivasi Day.
The three-year collaboration aims to promote scientific palm-based enterprises, strengthen tribal livelihoods and create opportunities for women to become entrepreneurs through sustainable use of natural resources.
Dhanunjaya Rao said the university, as the knowledge partner, would provide technical guidance, training, research support and advisory services on Neera collection, palm-jaggery production, processing, value addition, quality improvement and enterprise development.
ITDA-Chintur would identify and mobilise eligible tribal beneficiaries and self-help groups, facilitate implementation and coordinate with government departments, he said.
He said the agency area had abundant palm resources and offered significant potential for sustainable livelihoods through scientific tapping, hygienic Neera collection, palm-jaggery production and value addition.
The vice-chancellor said the university was already providing technical support to tribal communities on Neera-based products and palm jaggery at Pandirimamidi village in Rampachodavaram mandal of Polavaram district through its Krishi Vigyan Kendra.
The initiative is expected to serve as a model for value-added tribal livelihoods while contributing to the goals of Viksit Bharat and Atmanirbhar Bharat.