After a gap of 15 years, farming has been resumed on the abandoned lands of the tribal settlements inside the Periyar Tiger Reserve (PTR) at Thekkady in Idukki. Turmeric is being cultivated on the tribal lands this time. An initiativeby the Forest department, the project aims to provide financial stability to the tribal community while reducing instances of human-wildlife conflicts.

The cultivation is being resumed under five Eco-Development Committees (EDC) of the PTR, according to an official.“The Alleppey Finger Turmeric (AFT) variety is being used for this initiative. In Paliyakkudy, crops were planted on 1.5 acres on a trial basis. Thetotal area proposed for cultivation is approximately 50 acres for various crops,” the official said. Future plans include rejuvenating black pepper farming within the settlements, as well as cultivating cinnamon, Malabar tamarind, clove, nutmeg, and ginger.

The official further stated that a wild turmeric variety is also being cultivated on an experimental basis within the tribal settlements.

Officials chose to prioritise turmeric because wild animals generally do not consumethe crop.“Organic farming practices will be followed.”

Officials noted that farming within the forest ensures a steady income for the members of the tribal settlements. “A stable income source will help ensure active participation from the community in forest protection activities.”

The soil has absorbed significant moisture following recent summer rain, making the present conditions ideal for turmeric planting this month.

Last year, the Munnar Forest Division had conducted turmeric farming on abandoned lands, which was a major success.