Tribal Agriculture

Tribal agriculture represents a holistic approach to farming that goes beyond mere production, emphasizing harmony with nature, soil health, and ecosystem preservation. Indigenous communities have nurtured a wealth of cultural, ecological, and agricultural knowledge over centuries, contributing to biodiversity conservation, natural resource protection, and food security enhancement. Traditional farming methods offer multifaceted benefits, including improved community health and nutrition, livelihood security, and environmental and cultural preservation.

In the face of contemporary challenges such as climate change, population growth, and natural resource degradation, sustainable food production has become paramount. Tribal agriculture stands out as a resilient and sustainable system, characterized by eco-friendly practices and risk-minimizing techniques. As the world increasingly seeks to transition to sustainable agriculture, we are actively promoting and supporting the revival of traditional agrarian practices in Kerala.
Thanal’s efforts are particularly focused on collaborating with indigenous farmers in regions like Attappady, Wayanad, and Pathanamthitta to revive their age-old agricultural methods, along with their associated culture, rituals, and traditions. Technical assistance is provided to farmers, and efforts are made to educate and empower the younger generation to become knowledgeable stewards of the land.

In 2018, Thanal partnered with the Kerala State Scheduled Tribes Development Department and the Kerala Development and Innovation Strategic Council in the Namuth Vellame Project. This initiative aimed to ensure the nutritional security of tribal communities by reviving Panja Krishi, the traditional farming method of Attappadi. Thanal’s ongoing endeavors include supporting the revival of tribal agriculture, providing technical assistance to family farmers, assisting in organic certification, and conducting fellowships to facilitate the transmission of indigenous knowledge on farming and sustainable living across generations. Through these initiatives, Thanal continues to play a crucial role in preserving traditional agricultural practices, promoting environmental sustainability, and empowering indigenous communities in Kerala.

Our Objectives Speak Volumes

Revive Indigenous Farming Practices

Collaborate with indigenous communities to revive traditional farming methods while preserving their culture, traditions, and crop diversity.

Achieve Nutrition Sufficiency

Promote sustainable agriculture practices that connect food production to farming, aiming to achieve nutrition sufficiency and contribute to Sustainable Development Goal 2 (Zero Hunger).

Cultivate environmental consciousness

Educate and engage youth in sustainable agriculture practices, fostering an environmentally conscious generation while providing job opportunities within tribal communities.

Foster Collaborations

Collaborate with government and non-government organizations to integrate tribal agriculture programs, working towards self-sufficiency and food security among tribal communities.

Promote Holistic Development

Strive for holistic development by integrating cultural preservation, sustainable agriculture, nutrition sufficiency, community empowerment, and environmental consciousness into tribal agriculture programs.

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