Tribals in Agriculture

The progress of the country is related with tribal development as the tribal population in the country is not small. Tribal economy is mainly hunting, collecting and fishing or a combination of hunting, collecting with shifting cultivation. The tribal agriculture is primitive and backward resulting in low productivity. Tribal agriculture is characterized by small land holdings, improper land utilization, poor farming techniques, over grazing of pastures, low capital investment and low production inputs. Tribal areas are in the nature's lap and agriculture has unique potential to absorb these people and creating opportunities for employment. It was found that tribal farmers were aware of some improved farming practices but did not have detail knowledge and training on method of application of fertilizer, organic and chemical fertilizer doses and method of application, method of transplanting, plant protection measures, methods of harvesting and methods of inter-culturing. The indigenous knowledge of farmers is considered as important sources of information about the local farming systems, experiences, institutions, culture etc. Tribal women constitute half of the work force among tribals in India. Tribal women are discriminated, though they make enormous contribution to the agriculture and allied sectors. Due to absence of employment opportunities in agriculture sector; young people belonging to tribal communities are finding themselves at cross-road of life. There is strong need to sensitize and train the tribal folks through adequate extension, policy and financial support for holistic development of tribals in our country.