In a move to empower tribals of 15 villages in Polavaram district, Aranya Sri, a State government’s initiative, has been kick-started on Saturday, aimed at enabling Self Help Groups (SHGs) of the villages to market and sell the bamboo from the forest areas.

Andhra Pradesh State Scheduled Tribes Commission Chairman S. Bojji Reddi, Polavaram District Collector K. Dinesh Kumar launched the pilot project by performing puja to the bamboo trees in the forest. The officials, including forest officials, were welcomed by the Koya tribals with their traditional dance of Kommu Koya.

“One lakh plants of bamboo will be raised in the forest blocks as part of the Aranya Sri. They will be raised by the SHGs of the 15 villages, with an entitlement of collection and marketing for their livelihood,” Mr. Kumar said, addressing the gathering after the launch of the programme.

“The initiative will also be extended to the rest of the Polavaram district after the pilot project is successful. 50% revenue to be generated on the one lakh bamboo plants will be paid to the 15 SHGs ,” the Collector added.

Minor forest produce

The tribals are entitled to collect bamboo from the forest, including reserve forest covers, as it is considered as ‘Minor Forest Produce’.

Providing further insights into the pilot project, Chintoor Integrated Tribal Development Agency Subham Nokwal said, “The tribals will be groomed in various skills to come up with multiple products with bamboo. They will also be trained in marketing of their products”.

District Forest Officer Sivakumar Gangal and other officials will monitor the bamboo collection and their purposes.