REHABILITATION OF SHIFTING CULTIVATORS OF EASTERN OF NORTHERN COASTAL DISTRICTS ANDRA PRADESH

Abstract

The Project on Rehabilitation of Shifting Cultivators of Eastern Ghats of Northern Coastal Districts of Andhra Pradesh is prepared to seek financial assistance from IFAD. In the tribal areas of this State especially in the hilly and forest of Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Visakhapatnam and East Godavari, there are small but innumerable problem areas where the tribals practice shifting cultivation which is locally known as PODU. While the podu practiced in plain jungle clearance and flat lands is known as CHELAKA PODU, the Podu confined to hill slopes is called KONDA PODU, these two types of podu cultivation practiced in this area. The study reveals that out of 479 tribal families in the sample villages, 434 are entirely or partially depending on Podu land constituting 90.60% to the total families. The average size of Podu holding per family works out to 1.25 hectares. The study noticed that various ceremonies and rituals and propitiate numerous deities associated with Podu cultivation. The most important religious functionaries with their specific roles in the ceremonies associated with Podu cultivation are discussed in this report. All tribal groups practicing shifting cultivation were covered by the study in 12 selected villages. Altogether 479 families with 2125 members and the average size of the family worked out to 4.4. The basic facilities available to these villages are given in the report. sama, Chodi, Jonna, Vooda, Horsegram, Niger, Castor etc., are grown in dry land in the sample villages. The study indicates that major source of income is Agriculture, followed by Agricultural labour. The average income per family works out to Rs. 4059.38. The study reveals that the 103 families have obtained loans either from different agencies. With the introduction of Sub-Plan since Fifth Five Year Plan, large allocations have been made for tribal development. An amount of Rs. 455.0 million and 1402.7 million was spent in V and VI Five Year Plans. The important achievements under various sectors so far as general sector also mentioned in the report. In order to achieve the objectives of the project, a comprehensive strategy is evolved and adopted. The project report is prepared in order to wean away the tribals from shifting cultivation and assist them in improving their socio-economic conditions and thereby the quality of life. The suggested programmes under social forestry and horticulture in different watershed areas are discussed in this report. The study also examines about marketing system difficulties and proposed various schemes.