Jharkhand

• 16 Apr 2024

Pahariya Tribe

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.