Tribal cashew farmers earn Rs 76,46,960 in one month
18 May 2024 10:00 PM IST18 May 2024 10:00 PM IST
In a remarkable display of resilience, ninety-four tribal families from four villages have collectively earned `76,46,960 in one month this year through cashew crops grown on 110 acres. (Image: DC)
Visakhapatnam: In a remarkable display of resilience, ninety-four tribal families from four villages have collectively earned Rs 76,46,960 in one month this year through cashew crops grown on 110 acres. The Kalyanapulova village of Ravikavitham mandal in Anakapalli district made this significant achievement possible. Historically burdened by debt and living in conditions akin to slavery, these tribals, led by Ajay Kumar, have not only raised awareness but also liberated themselves from debt.
"Due to the loan repayment movement undertaken in June 2023, the trees became the property of the tribals by May 15, 2024. The tribal farmers reclaimed 110 acres of cashew plantations in four villages and got freedom from a loan," Ajith Kumar told the Deccan Chronicle.
The tribals have revived the traditional practice of ‘sahayalu’ to reduce investment and other expenses on these plantations. They grow crops without using chemical fertilisers and pesticides, following the principle that the tree gives as much as it receives. In a display of self-sufficiency, they bypass middlemen in the sale of crops and prepare their own weighing machine to weigh the crop.
Cashew nuts are sold directly to processing companies. From April 16 to May 15, 2024, 92 bags of cashews were provided to the company. 72,160 kg of cashews were sold at 80 kg per bag for Rs 76,46,960. Ninety-four Adivasi families deposited Rs 1,03,400 by taking a membership of Rs 100 and sharing Rs 1,000 with the organisation ‘Girisiri Rythu Vutpattidarulu’.
The Adivasi farmers decided to carry out activities through this organisation. The educated Adivasi youths of the village led the entire movement. In a letter to RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das, former bureaucrat E.A.S. Sarma requested that institutions like NABARD should study the success of these tribals as a case study.
( Source : Deccan Chronicle )
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