Farmers in the Pachamalai Hills of Tamil Nadu, who largely relied on tapioca cultivation, have begun diversifying into vegetable crops following sustained efforts by the Department of Tribal Welfare, Government of Tamil Nadu.
Many growers have transitioned from tapioca to vegetables such as tomatoes, beans, brinjal, and coriander. According to local accounts, this marks a shift aimed at improving agricultural sustainability and supporting the economic conditions of the tribal farming community.
This season, 35 farmers have taken up vegetable cultivation across more than 40.5 hectares. A decade ago, tapioca covered about 1,000 hectares in Pachamalai, but the area has since decreased to around 607 hectares due to various factors, including low market prices for the crop.
To support tribal communities through horticulture, the Department of Tribal Welfare, in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR), Bengaluru, implemented the Tolkudiyinar Velanmai Melanmai Thittam – Ainthinai programme. The department initially identified 125 farmers, who were provided with seeds and green manure by IIHR to cultivate tomato, chilli, mango, guava, and papaya using high-yield Arka seedlings supplied free of cost. Farmers initially expressed interest, though participation later declined for various reasons.
A farmer from Sengattupattai, K Palani, received an award from IIHR Bengaluru in September for achieving high yields and revenue using IIHR-recommended techniques. His results, combined with continued engagement by officials, encouraged other growers to move toward vegetable production, according to N Annadurai, who has planted beans on 0.2 hectares.
"Officials from the Tribal Welfare Department are helping us adopt alternative crops instead of traditional ones like tapioca. We received quality seeds and are awaiting bio-fertilisers. We hope to reap a good yield," he said.
Another farmer, N Vijayakumar, who is preparing to plant beans, tomatoes, brinjal, and chilli on 1.2 hectares, told TNIE that more growers are showing interest in vegetable farming. "We have 6 hectares and have decided to allot 1.2 hectares for vegetables, hoping it will be a good start," he said.
An MoU has been signed between the Tamil Nadu Tribal Welfare Department and IIHR to supply high-quality seeds and agricultural inputs to tribal farmers in Pachamalai, according to officials.
Source: The New Indian Express
