Koraput tribals rewarded for contribution to biodiversity
Following global recognition, the Central government has finally rewarded tribals for protecting the country’s agriculture heritage with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh handing over the awards to two tribals from Koraput district.
The diminutive duo – Raita Maduli and Chandra Mohan – not only received awards from the Prime Minister but also shared the dais with three Nobel laureates and the top brass of the Indian scientific arena at the inauguration of the 99th session of the Indian Science Congress at the sprawling campus of KIIT University.
The prize comes in the wake of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) recognising the methods adopted by Koraput tribals in preserving their farm heritage. Thanks to an awareness campaign by the M S Swaminathan Research Foundation ongoing since 1994, the work of the Koraput tribals was finally recognised by the FAO as a Globally Important Agriculture Heritage System, which needs to be protected for the mankind.
Koraput has a rich assembly of unique floral and faunal diversity. It is considered an important centre for the origin of the aus ecotype of rice. The regional genetic diversity is of significance because 79 flowering plant species and one fruit-bearing plant species are not found anywhere outside this region.
As traditional farming practices changed over years due to natural and anthropogenic pressures, the region required attention for the conservation of these unique species for perpetuity. The tribals have managed to do just that.
Different tribal groups, have conserved and preserved a large number of land races of rice, millets, pulses and medicinal plants, using traditional cultivation practices, developed over years as an answer to the region’s topographical and ecological diversity.
Lauding their efforts, Singh said that the recognition comes due to their contribution towards conserving biodiversity and developing climate resilient agricultural systems.
Singh also underlined the importance of preserving the knowledge the Kharia, Santhals, Gonds and Kolhas of Mayurvanj forest has on the medicinal use of local plants.
