Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel suggested a delegation of organization Commonland Foundation, The Netherlands to promote commercial production of climate-friendly fruits in the Baiga dominated two village panchayats for socio-economic upliftment of the tribals in places they are working.
The chief minister’s suggestions came during meeting of the delegation of Commonland Foundation, The Netherlands led by chief executive officer Willem Ferwerda in Raipur.
The organization is working on pilot project in two Baiga dominated village panchayats Dholbajja and Shambhupipar of Bodla development block of Kabeerdham district in Chattissgarh.
The pilot project related to working with tribals to study their traditional knowledge, convergence of various schemes and using modern technology for environment conservation and development of means of livelihood of tribal community.
Further he suggested the delegation to start processing of such fruits in the village pachayats to provide profitable means of livelihood to the tribal community.
He said that farms should be developed separately for each fruit suitable for the local climatic condition, simultaneously arrangements must be done to process these fruits.
The chief minister asked to develop nursery of fruit plants in nearby area, as the fruits grown in these places will not only improve the nutritional status of the tribals, but will also provide a good source of income from selling fruits and the processed fruit products.
Baghel informed the delegation about the government’s initiative of Narva, Ghurua, Garva, Bari programme, Godhan Nyay Yojna and Chief Minsiter’s Tree Plantation Promotion Scheme being run under Suraji Gaon Yojna in the state.
These schemes have created employment for local people and have also proven to be beneficial for the environment.
There was a detailed discussion held on issues related to environmental protection and livelihood of tribals of these two village panchayats.
