Jalgaon District Administration Ties-Up With Jain Irrigation To Develop Spice Cluster

(MENAFN- KNN India) Jalgaon, Mar 24 (KNN) Jalgaon district administration has introduced a 'spice cluster' initiative to enhance the livelihoods of tribal families who are beneficiaries of the Forest Rights Act (FRA).

This initiative, launched under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) with Jain Irrigation, aims to provide training and marketing support to farmers in remote areas.

District Collector Ayush Prasad highlighted that FRA beneficiaries often lack market access and modern farming techniques.“Through this PPP, we aim to empower them with modern agricultural training while leveraging their organic farming expertise for sustainable income generation,” he stated.

As part of the initiative, private firms will supply seeds, offer training, and ensure a buyback of the produce. Project Officer of the Integrated Tribal Development Project (Yawal), Arun Pawar, stated that farmers would be trained in cultivating organic cash crops such as onions, tomatoes, chilies, and turmeric. The private firm guarantees a buyback at the highest rate-either pre-decided or market-based.

Additionally, government departments will align various schemes to support the initiative. The agriculture department will facilitate access to drip irrigation and dug wells, while the animal husbandry department will provide livestock to aid in dairy farming. Tribal development schemes, including horticulture and forestry initiatives, will also contribute.

“This is an ambitious project to cultivate spice crops in cluster-wise groups in tribal areas. The goal is to ensure FRA beneficiaries in Panchayat Extension to Scheduled Area (PESA) receive the benefits of multiple schemes,” said Pratibha Shinde, leader of the Loksangharsha Morcha, which has been instrumental in advocating for tribal rights.

The administration, along with tribal organizations, is working to spread awareness about government schemes, ensuring maximum participation and long-term economic upliftment for tribal communities.

(KNN Bureau)

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