Tribal communities: Agricultural technologies for tribal upliftment, moving forward with smart and advanced farming

Tribal communities in India have been living a life dependent on nature for years. Their livelihood has mainly depended on forests, traditional farming and animal husbandry. But with changing times, the use of modern agricultural techniques has become necessary to improve their economic and social condition. Through new agricultural techniques, the standard of living of tribal communities can be improved and their income can be increased.

Current Status Of Tribal Farming

Farming is done using traditional methods in the tribal areas of India. In these areas, mainly Jhum farming (shifting cultivation), rain-fed farming, and traditional seeds are used. However, due to low production and challenges of climate change, these communities face many difficulties.

Tribal communities in Mizoram, Nagaland, Meghalaya, and Arunachal Pradesh constitute 94.4 per cent, 86 per cent, 86.1 per cent and 68.79 per cent of the total population respectively. The primary occupation of the North Eastern tribes is agriculture. Here the role of Krishi Vigyan Kendras comes to the fore. They mainly discharge the responsibility of checking the location specificity of any agricultural technology through on-field trials and front line demonstrations.

The Need For Modern Agricultural Techniques

The productivity and living standards of tribal farmers can be increased by the use of modern agricultural techniques. Some of the major techniques are-

1. Organic Farming And Sustainable Agriculture

Chemical fertilizers and pesticides are used less in tribal areas, due to which there is immense potential for promoting organic farming. Through organic farming, not only the fertility of the soil is maintained, but the environment can also be protected.

2. Water Conservation Techniques

Most tribal areas are dependent on rain, so water conservation is very important. Some modern techniques of water conservation are as follows:

Water Harvesting: Rainwater can be collected and used during drought.

Drip irrigation and sprinkler system: More production is possible with less water.

Ponds and check dams: Help in maintaining the groundwater level.

3. Use of Smart and Improved Seeds

Yields can be increased by using high quality and climate-friendly seeds as compared to traditional seeds. Scientifically developed seeds are more disease resistant and increase production.

4. Agricultural Mechanization And Use Of Modern Equipment

Tribal farmers often use traditional equipment, which requires more labour and time. The following modern equipment can make their farming more effective:

Power tillers and tractors: Help in tilling the land and making cultivation easier.

Threshers and reapers: Facilitate harvesting and crop management.

Solar pumps and machinery: Solar-powered equipment makes farming cheaper and eco-friendly.

5. Mixed and Multi-Cropping

Mixed and multi-cropping can be more profitable than monoculture (growing the same type of crop). This can be possible in tribal areas through the following methods:

Agroforestry: Combination of farming and plantation.

Fisheries and animal husbandry: As a source of additional income.

Beekeeping: Helpful in honey production and pollination.

Poultry farming in the courtyard: A simple and effective way of additional income for tribal families. In this, chickens of local breeds are raised at low cost, which produces eggs and meat.

Scaffolding type goat house: In this technique, goats are kept on a high wooden scaffold, which protects their health and makes them more productive. This method is also helpful in protecting from infection and pests.

Walk gall tunnel for vegetable production: This is a modern technique, in which vegetable production is done by making a structure like a plastic tunnel. This technique protects crops from the effects of rain or excessive sunlight and makes production possible throughout the year.

6. Digital Agriculture And Use Of Mobile Technology

Using mobile applications, internet and digital devices, tribal farmers can get the latest information related to agriculture. Various government and private apps can provide weather information, fertilizer suggestions and market price information to farmers.

7. Cooperative Societies and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs)

The establishment of cooperative societies and farmer producer organizations (FPOs) is important to organize tribal farmers and get their products to a fair market. This can help them get the benefits of fair prices, subsidies, and government schemes.

Government Schemes and Assistance

The government has launched several schemes for the upliftment of tribal farmers- 

Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY)

Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY)

Agricultural Mechanization Scheme

Minimum Support Price (MSP) facility

Establishment of Krishi Vikas Kendras (KVKs)

Collaboration of Governmental And Non-Governmental Organizations

The use of modern agricultural techniques is necessary to bring innovation in the agriculture of tribal farmers and strengthen their economic condition. Tribal farmers can be made self-reliant through water conservation, organic farming, use of modern equipment, digital agriculture and cooperatives. Government and non-government organizations should work together to provide technical assistance and training in these areas, so that the tribal communities can develop completely.