Land of forests
Jharkhand means the “land of forests”, and true to its name the state is endowed with vast forests and a rich assemblage of floral and faunal biodiversity. Few states of India can match the scenic landscapes and rich biodiversity of Jharkhand.
Jal (water), Jangal (forest), Jamin (land) and Janwar (animals) are very dear to tribals for their survival. They used to be the owners of all of these. Water was available to them in abundance, and they depended heavily on the forest for their living. During the lean season, the livelihood of many people depends critically on forest products for subsistence or supplementary income. The most destitute gather wood for sale; a major part of the wood carried by head-loaders and bicycle-loaders is meant for urban markets.
The degree of dependence on forests for subsistence or cash income varies from place to place, depending on the state of the forests, access to them and the presence or absence of other income opportunities. Nearly half of the population among agricultural tribes such as the Munda, Oraon, Santhal and Ho depend on the forest to earn a livelihood.
‘Protect and Prosper’ — this slogan should define the relationship of villagers with forests.
This is particularly true of weaker sections with little land ownership, as non-timber forest produce (NTFP) can play a very important role in protecting them from poverty and hunger. Basket makers — the Mahlis — get their raw material, bamboo, from the forest. Tribals get edible roots, fruits, vegetables, flowers, honey, birds and animals (monkeys, hares, pigs and others) from the forest.
The mahua flower is a staple food for the poorer classes for at least part of the year, and is also used to make liquor. Mahua seed is used to make oil for both cooking and lighting. It has been estimated that access to three mahua trees is enough for a tribal household to survive for over a year. Tribals also eat the fruits of the palas, ber, piar, jamun, imli, sarifa and many other wild trees.
Land, water and animals
When it comes to land, Jharkhand has vast mineral reserves, with 33% of India’s coal deposits, 47% of its mica and 34% of its copper. Besides these mineral reserves, land is very dear to tribals, as tribals are by nature farmers. Year after year tribals cultivated paddy and survived. Even the poorest of the poor will have some plot of land as a mark that they are sons of the soil.
Animals were their constant companions in every activity they undertook. But as time passed, tribal people began losing control over all of these. There is no dense forest left. Tribals still have a few animals, but they are more of a burden than a help. There are landless tribals who declare that they no longer belong to Jharkhand, and water scarcity is well known.
SIGN’s approach
SIGN’s mandate is to assure these tribal communities of their right to have, manage and use these natural resources — Jal, Jangal, Jamin and Janwar. When we talk about food sovereignty, it implies new social relations free of oppression and inequality between men and women, peoples, racial groups, social classes and generations.
SIGN’s effort is to promote appropriate local food crops with a scientific approach, soil conservation, animal husbandry, watershed approaches to conserve water, and more plantations — all to meet the food needs of homes and communities.
