Hivardhara tribals reap fruits of mother nature

Yavatmal: With the onset of summer, rural areas often face a severe shortage of employment, forcing many labourers to migrate in search of livelihood. However, in the tribal-dominated villages of Hivardhara and nearby Lahan Mohada in Ghatanji taluka of Yavatmal district, the surrounding forest has emerged as a sustainable source of income, preventing such migration.The forests adjoining these villages are rich in minor forest produce, fruits, and wild berries, which are now providing steady employment to tribal laborers, especially women. In Yavatmal district, talukas like Kelapur, Ghatanji, and Zari Jamani are largely tribal regions with extensive forest cover. Due to predominantly rain-fed agriculture, employment opportunities decline sharply after the cotton season, often leading to financial distress among labourers.A positive transformation has begun in the region with the initiative of the Sarathi Sanstha. The organization mobilized tribal women and educated them about the collection and value of minor forest produce. Through the concept of wild forest produce (raanmeva), even the otherwise idle summer months have become economically productive.President of Sarathi Sanstha, Rasul Sheikh, said, "Since last year, we have been guiding tribal women on collecting minor forest produce such as wild fruits, seeds, Behada, Palash flowers, tendu leaves, and Bael fruits. We also help them access markets."From a single Mahua tree, around 150-200kg of flowers can be collected, generating an income of approximately ₹15,000. Similarly, a Behada tree yields 200-250kg of fruit, adding nearly ₹1,500 to household income. Notably, these earnings come without any investment in fertilizers or irrigation, making it a sustainable and cost-effective livelihood option during summer.Various forest products such as Mahua flowers, tendu leaves, Behada fruits, Palash flowers, Baheda pods, and Bael fruits are now being systematically collected and marketed.Encouraged by fair returns last year, villagers have shown increased participation this season. This year, collections included four quintals of Behada, one and a half tonnes of Palash flowers, along with Bael fruits and Bahava pods. Within a month, the total income generated exceeded ₹1 lakh, significantly boosting the economic condition of the villagers.