Tribal farmers in Tiruchi to grow seeds for IIHR under scheme Ainthinai
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Tiruchi: A new seed village project has been unveiled under the Tolkudiyinar Velanmai Melanmai Thittam, called Project Ainthinai, at the Pachamalai hills in Tiruchi district. As per this scheme, tribal farmers will have to grow vegetables only for the purpose of seed production. Later, the seeds will be purchased directly by the Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR), Bengaluru. This model is being introduced for the first time for the hill region.
The State Department of Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare, along with IIHR, has been implementing the scheme to bring stability among tribal communities through sustainable farming. The three-year project is expected to bring joy to 250 tribal farmers, increasing their income through vegetable and fruit farming. As per an agreement, IIHR will provide quality seeds and inputs to farmers. Seeds and saplings of crops like tomato, chilli, greens, papaya, and mango have already been provided to them.
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IIHR Director Tusar Kanti Behera inspected the hilly farms recently and launched a training event for women farmers on kitchen gardening and seed production. About 125 farmers participated in the training programme. On this occasion, farmers got a seed kit containing eight vegetable varieties. D. Rangarajan, Project Officer, Tribal Welfare, inaugurated the programme in the presence of IIHR scientists and other officials.