NABARD Launches Tribal Development Programme in Kulathupuzha

The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) is set to launch an integrated tribal development programme in the Kulathupuzha grama panchayat, marking its first initiative in Kollam.

Background:

1. Tribal Communities:
   1. The programme aims to empower tribal communities in Kulathupuzha, who have been facing challenges in terms of livelihood and agricultural development.
2. About NABARD:
   1. Establishment: NABARD was established in 1982 as a central regulating body for agriculture financing and rural development.
   2. Formation: It was established under the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development Act 1981.
   3. Objective: To promote agriculture and rural development through participative financial and non-financial interventions, innovations, technology, and institutional development for securing prosperity.
   4. Activities: Provision of refinance support, improving rural infrastructure, and supervision of Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) and Cooperative Banks.
   5. Regulatory Role: NABARD is the main regulatory body in the country's rural banking system.

Key Points:

1. Launch Date:
   1. The programme will be launched on July 8.
2. Implementing Agency:
   1. Thanal, an environmental organization, will be the implementing agency of the project.
3. Duration:
   1. The project will run for five years, targeting the sustainable livelihood and agricultural enhancement of 413 families residing in eight hamlets.

Objectives:

1. Sustainable Livelihood:
   1. The programme aims to transform the livelihoods of tribal families over the next five years.
2. Agricultural Enhancement:
   1. The project focuses on promoting diverse agricultural crops, including pepper, arecanut, coconut, ginger, Thai ginger, turmeric, and plantain.
3. Non-agricultural Activities:
   1. The programme will also promote non-agricultural activities, such as goat rearing, poultry, beekeeping, fish farming, and fodder production.

Components:

1. Water Resource Development
   1. The programme will encompass water resource development initiatives.
2. Leadership Training
   1. Leadership training will be provided to empower communities.
3. Awareness Creation
   1. Awareness creation initiatives will be undertaken to promote sanitation and hygiene practices.
4. Marketing and Branding Training
   1. Marketing and branding training will be provided to enhance income levels.
5. Skill Development Workshops
   1. Skill development workshops will be conducted to promote sustainable agricultural practices.

Tribal Farmer Producer Company (FPO):

1. Establishment
   1. The establishment of a Tribal Farmer Producer Company (FPO) is planned to further economically empower the community.
2. Objectives
   1. The FPO will aim to enhance income levels through collective marketing and sales of products.

Previous Partnership:

1. Thanal and NABARD
   1. Thanal and NABARD had previously partnered to implement animal husbandry and skill development programs across five villages in Ranni taluk, Pathanamthitta.
2. Impact
   1. The initiative supported the sustainable development of about 429 families, providing continuous guidance and assistance throughout the programme.

Conclusion:

The integrated tribal development programme launched by NABARD in Kulathupuzha aims to transform the livelihoods of tribal families over the next five years. The programme's focus on promoting diverse agricultural crops, non-agricultural activities, and skill development will enhance income levels and promote sustainable agricultural practices. The establishment of a Tribal Farmer Producer Company (FPO) will further economically empower the community.

Must Check: Best IAS Coaching In Delhi