Jharkhand
Pahariya Tribe
- 16 Apr 2024
- 2 min read
Why in News?
Jharkhand’s Pahariya tribe aims to achieve seed independence by depositing native varieties in community-led banks.
Key Points
- In 2019, four community-led seed banks were set up in the hilly districts of Pakur and Godda. The banks cater to more than 1,350 households in 90 villages.
- They are operated under four panchayats: Bara Paktari, Bara Sindari, Kunjbona and Karma Tarn, and are managed by women-led committees.
- To register with the seed banks, members must deposit 2.5 kg of indigenous seeds. Seeds are also provided through state government programmes.
- During sowing season, the committees decide distribution on a case-by-case basis. So far, they have distributed 3,679 kg of seeds.
- Members currently provide 0.5 kg of seeds after every harvest to replenish the stocks.
- With immediate demands fulfilled, the residents are now focusing on improving crop yield and becoming self-sufficient in food.
Pahariya Tribe
- They live mainly in the states of Jharkhand and West Bengal. They are the original inhabitants of the Rajmahal Hills, known today as the Santal Parganas division of Jharkhand.
- They are listed as a Scheduled Tribe by the governments of West Bengal, Bihar and Jharkhand.
- They speak Malto, a Dravidian language.
- They practice jhum or shifting cultivation which involves clearing land by burning vegetation for farming for a few years.
