The Hindu : Tamil Nadu News : Tribals run forest produce shop

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Sunday, Jul 13, 2008
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Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu

Tribals run forest produce shop

Karthik Madhavan

This income prevents them migrating from forest areas

Nutritious commodities: A shop run by self-help group members in Erode does good business selling forest produce.

SATHYAMANGALAM: Honey, ghee, horse gram, ragi, tamarind and a few others are on sale at the Hassanur Tribal Entrepreneurs Self-Help Group shop at the bus stand here.

What is so special in these, one might ask.

The first is that the tribes get more money as it is a direct sale.

The absence of middlemen ensures that the money is shared between the tribals and is also passed on to consumers, who get them cheaper.

The second: the income the tribes earn will prevent their migration out of forest, as they get employment at the place of dwelling.

This will result in protection of forests.

The protection is by way of preventing outsiders from exploiting forest resources, in conserving which the tribes have a stake, as it is their source of livelihood.

The third and foremost reason is that if the forest is protected it will ensure that people at the plains get water.

This is what the shop ensures, says S. C. Natarajan of Sudar SHG.

The venture has helped 120 tribes, who have come together in 15 self help groups.

Mr. Natarajan says the NGO took up the project with assistance from the District Forest Officer, Sathyamangalam, to provide a livelihood for the tribes.

DFO, Sathyamangalam, S. Ramasubramaniam says the Department funded the tribals under the Tamil Nadu Afforestation Programme. And, the response has been good.

Shop attendant P. Nagarajan says since the start a month ago, they have been selling products worth nearly Rs. 1, 000 a month.

It is a small amount, considering the cause.

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