Kulathupuzha, 08/07/2024: NABARD Launches its first Integrated tribal development project at Kulathupuzha, Kollam. The project was inaugurated by Mr. Baiju N Kurupp, Chief general Manager of NABARD on 8 th july at Kadamankode, Mahadeval Temple by distributing Tree saplings and organic manure to tribal village heads of the selected tribal hamlets.Also he visited various tribal hamlets, interacting with the beneficiaries and planted a tree sapling to mark the beginning of the initiative.

Currently, the project aims at providing sustainable livelihoods and agricultural advancement, targeting 413 families residing in 8 hamlets, on a five-year trajectory. ‘Nabard’s goal is rural prosperity. It is achievable only when a trilateral Panchayat administration, Voluntary organizations, and the people come together. By the fifth year of the program, the beneficiaries may achieve economic progress, strengthen their livelihoods in a sustainable manner and set an example for comprehensive development in Kerala’ emphasized Nabard’s Chief General Manager on his inaugural speech.

The project will encompass various agricultural initiatives, along with water resource development, leadership training, skill development centers, and sanitation initiatives. The Tribal Farmer Producer Company, which facilitates branding, marketing, and enables sustainable development, is a significant component of the initiative.

“We believe this will be a two-fold development as it is the first project to involve us in conceptualization, which considers our lifestyle, cultural significance and environment along with the socio economic conditions of our hamlet.” P R Santhosh, Member of Kadamankode ward, opined.

C. Jayakumar, Executive Director of Thanal, the project implementing agency of the project, provided a brief overview of the project. The event was chaired by Laila Beevi, President of the Kulathupuzha Gram Panchayat, and attended by Rajashekharan Kani (President, V.P.C.), E.K. Sudheer (Block Panchayat Member), S. Chandrakumar (Chairman, Health Education – Standing Committee, Kulathupuzha), Rakhimol (D.D.M., NABARD), Muhammad Shaiju (Tribal Extension Officer), P. Thankappan Kani (Village Head, Villumala), and Appukuttan Kani (Village Head, Kuzhavikode), who offered felicitations in the program.

In a breakthrough initiative, the collaborative efforts of NABARD, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, and Thanal have culminated in a highly successful Para-veterinary training program at KVK Thadiyoor. Guided by Dr. Sency Mathew, thirteen individuals from five hamlets have emerged as a proficient Para-vet group after ten days of transformative training. Armed with enhanced skills in animal husbandry, this group is now not only capable of providing emergency medical aid in tribal settlements but also symbolizes a significant stride towards self-sufficiency in the community. The practical exposure gained, including a visit to a hi-tech dairy farm in Kuriyottumala, Kollam, reinforces advanced farming techniques, fostering a sense of independence and resilience among tribal youth. This remarkable outcome marks a decisive step in empowering the tribal community towards sustainable and self-sufficient livelihoods.