Here is one example how 'collective farming ' can bring a change in India.
Tribals reap benefits of collective farming
RAJENDRA KHATRY
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
KANDORA VILLAGE, (MP), JULY 10: From brinks of despair to cusp of hope and empowerment. That's how a success story is unfolding for the tribals in some villages around the Badalkhol sanctuary in Jashpur district of Madhya Pradesh, bordering Orissa.
Steeped in abject poverty, tribals, consisting of Pahadi Korwas, Korwas, Orans, Mundas, Birhors, Kujurs, who had nothing to look forward to; not very long ago, seem to see a new ray of hope, thanks to the Herculean efforts of a NGO-Jan Utthan Sanskritik Manch (JUSM), based at Kandora village in Kunkuri block of Jashpur.
Collective farming method taught by JUSM to the tribals scattered around the Badalkhol sanctuary is proving to be a highly successful experiment in the region. Tribals who not long ago found it difficult to maintain sustainable living, as they tried to survive on forest produce and part time farming, are now not only able to do so, but also manage some saving, which was unthinkable till a few years back.
``Initially the idea of collective farming seemed strange and we were sceptical. But looking to the impressive gains made, we realise this is the answer to our miseries, '' says Runiya Ram, one of the villagers. ``Collective farming has brought about a sea change - for the better,'' says Hira Chauhan a farmer and also the president of JUSM.
``The concept of collective farming is simple'', explains Edward Minz, secretary, JUSM and the driving force behind the idea. ``Instead of individual efforts, villagers join hands for joint farming on their collective plots of land. They pool in resources, till the fields together and cultivate crops. The produce is shared equally. The idea has clicked in a big way", he claims.
It is difficult to quantify the result of collective farming in monetary terms. But ask the tribals and they will tell you how effective the idea has been. ``Earlier we could hardly sustain ourselves in the off farming season. Now we have enough to pass off the year comfortably,'' claims Vincent Tirkey, another active farmer.
Earlier they had a single crop in their fields, double crop is now becoming a regular feature, thanks to collective farming. The crops being cultivated are rice, dal, sugarcane, herbal medicinal plants, groundnut etc. Out of these, rice and groundnut crops have been more successful. Through the long-term marketing concept jackfruit, mango and mahua trees are also being planted in the area.
While every effort is made to improve crop production, the JUSM has strictly banned use of chemical fertilisers, pesticides or hybrid seeds in fields. ``We have a firm belief in traditional farming. Chemical fertilisers and pesticides damage soil and crop. We are therefore promoting organic farming, '' says Minz. He however regrets, that the government is not making enough provision for irrigation in the tribal areas despite presence of big rivers like Eib or Dorki.
Marketing of produce is a problem of the JUSM. The tribals have never been business-minded. ``It is difficult to explain the concept of marketing to them. All they want is enough to sustain themselves throughout the year. The idea that they can not only have enough, but also earn some money from farming is still beyond them. But if they have to improve their lot they have to learn to live with this concept,'' says Minz.
One of the greatest benefits of collective farming is that it has helped unite people and tribes. ``What better way then to see Hindus, Christians and people of other faith rubbing shoulders n the fields and outside. Eating, sleeping and dining together in the course of collective farming has promoted cultural harmony in the region like nothing else,'' explains Minz.
Talking about the activities of the Jan Utthan Sanskritik Manch, Minz says it was formed in 1988 at Kandora village, Jashpur to help poor tribals sustain themselves. While the large objective of the manch remains protection and promotion of tribal culture of the region, the immediate aim is to create awareness among them to stand up for their rights.
Community development programmes are being taken up in a big way by the manch activists. ``We want to create more and more of Gram Sabhas in the region. Only then will the tribals have full control over their land, forest and water resources,'' says Minz.
Another major objective is promoting education among the tribals. The MP government too has chalked a special programme for the illiterates in the state called Education Guarantee Sceheme (EGC). Unfortunately the tribals have yet to take full benefit of the project. With the efforts of JUSM, however, things will change for the better, says Hira Chauhan.
The JUSM today uses its cultural wing to create awareness about problems and their solutions in the tribal region. Street plays or stage shows are regularly held for the purpose, informs Minz. A major issue dogging the region is the subtle move by the MP forest department to drive the tribals out of the Badalkhol sanctuary. When force didn't work, the forest department tried to induce the tribals by offering money. So far the tribals have spurned all such offers and the credit for the rejection is also shared by the blitzkrieg campaign launched by the JUSM.
Another major achievement of the JUSM is in getting minimum wages for tendu leaf collectors. Earlier the contractors could easily underpay the tribals for their hard work. Now they demand and get minimum wages.
Tribals reap benefits of collective farming