Agroecology Activities

Explore our efforts in sustainable agriculture and ecological practices.

Agriculture

The Kheria Sabar tribal community was originally a forest dweller nomadic hunter-gatherer group. The Indian Forest Act of 1927 denied this forest-dependent forager’s livelihood of the Sabar community. Further blows to these nomadic landless forest dwellers came after the nationalization of forests in 1952 followed by the Forest Conservation Act 1980. The Sabars had no option but to enter into revenue villages in search of food as they did not know about agriculture. In this situation, from the very beginning of Samity, Samity tried to make them aware of agriculture. Samity trained them and supported them. Since Mahasweta Devi’s movement commenced in 1983, Samity demanded rights on forest land and acquired Patta land for the community. The land allotted to the Kheria Sabars is often barren and stony, making it challenging to grow crops and sustain them. The community faces limited access to resources, including water and fertile land, further exacerbating their struggles.

Both getting more Patta land and making the land fertile, were the targets of the founding members of the Samity. For the betterment of the irrigation system, many River Lift Irrigation (RLI) systems, pond excavation, Chek-dams, and dug wells were constructed. The Samiti has taken a vow to make the Sabars self-reliant; merely helping them is not our goal. It is not our intention to provide food for a week or a month; it is our goal to ensure that they get a full meal throughout the year. The Sabars are slowly moving one step further in terms of self-sufficiency.

Biodiversity

Biodiversity Conservation and Ecological Restoration Project:

In association with Keystone Foundation the Samity has been working to protect biodiversity and the environment since November 2020. This project is spread across 5 Blocks of Purulia and Ranibandh Block of Bankura district. Meetings were held with the villagers. Work is being done according to the decisions taken unanimously in those meetings.

The workers of the Samity are highlighting the interrelationships of plants, animals, insects etc. and the importance of protecting them. Many vines, shrubs and trees Sabars used to collect food from are disappearing from the forest. These are being replanted. A seed bank is being created. The method of collecting and storing seeds is being taught to the Sabars. Conventional and scientific, both methods are being used. We are raising nursery without using plastic, black pots are being used so that the pots can be reused. Pots have also been made from discarded saree and cloth. Nurseries are built closer to the sites of tree plantation.

Reclaiming forest resources, forest conservation and revival of wild food is the focus. Sabars used to gather fruits, stems, leaves, roots etc. from forests traditionally. However, some of those plants has disappeared or rarely found these days. The project aims to restore the sources of plant based foods. Preventing deforestation and planting forest trees are also part of this mission. Apart from these we train on compost making, aid to develop a seed bank and nursery, assist on Forest Rights etc. Youth and students are being involved in the project implementation.

Awareness drive through painting on the walls is a major part of this project. Not just Sabars, the public in general is the target of this program.

Formation of Seed Bank:

In response to climate variability and the need for sustainable farming practices, we have focused on forming seed banks that prioritize biodiversity. By preserving a wide variety of seeds, including indigenous "Desi" varieties, we aim to enhance the resilience of local ecosystems and farming communities, particularly in the Sabar villages. These indigenous seeds are more resilient to local environmental stresses like droughts, floods, and changing temperatures, making them vital for long-term climate change adaptation.

Our efforts include training our fellows on the importance of seed preservation, methods of collecting Desi seeds, and the benefits of maintaining genetic diversity in crops. These workers then circulate the idea among Sabar villages, encouraging the local community to adopt sustainable practices and diversify their seed stocks.

Food Forest Project:

The project began by planting 1000 mango trees. The Samity will continue this project throughout the year. Sajane, Mahul, Neem, Kurchi, Pial, Haritki, Behera, Amalki, Kend, Jam, Karanja, Kul, Mulberry, Kusum, Indrajab, Jihur, Baula, different type of potato, Ghikalla / Khenksa, various types of fungi, Kukkut and many other trees. The purpose of planting fruit trees, at the same time the environment will be green and will also provide food.

Yellow Palash Project:

Yellow palash trees are on the verge of extinction, very few trees are left in the district. The Samity has collected seeds and twigs of this tree. Seedlings are being made in three ways, from seeds, by planting twigs and by making graft. Work is underway to produce 10000 saplings in 4 places. These saplings will be planted all over the district through various organizations and individuals.

Plantation:

A nursery has been operational in association with Sidho-Kanho-Birsha University. Forest tree plantation, Fruit tree plantation is carried out as part of this project. Forestation is part of biodiversity project sponsored by the Keystone Foundation as well. Besides this, the collaboration with Totanto Calcutta for plantation and sapling distribution plays an important role.

Land and Water Conservation:

Sabar community has a special affinity and respect for natural resources. They worship the mother nature and natural forses. Hence, water, forest, land conservation (Jal-Jangal-Jami) has always been the core activities of the Sabar Samiti. The Samiti and United Nation Development Programme (UNDP) under a project entitled ‘Pro-poor initiative program’ adopted several Sabar villages for land & irrigation development. As a result, today there are several excavated ponds owned by Sabar Samiti at the vicinity of Sabar hamlets.

Low-cost Wild Food Nursery:

PBKSKS establishes wild food nurseries in locations such as Jara village in Bandwan Block, where indigenous food crops are grown. These nurseries serve as a source of native seeds and saplings, supporting the conservation and promotion of local biodiversity. Beside these many green houses and low-cost nurseries are seasonally constructed to supply saplings in the Sabar villages.

Awareness on Uncultivated Wild Food:

PBKSKS raises awareness about the importance of wild food through creative initiatives such as painting on wells, and conducting many events with the presence of the old sabar men or women who have a vast knowledge of wild food. These paintings depict local wild food plants and their significance, promoting their conservation and utilization.

Research Initiative and Publication:

In collaboration with the Keystone Foundation, we have undertaken several research initiatives to explore the link between biodiversity and climate change adaptation, specifically focusing on the Sabar community. These initiatives aim to document traditional knowledge and practices that contribute to the resilience of local ecosystems and food systems.

Wild Food Study: This research focuses on the uncultivated wild food resources consumed by the Sabar community. By documenting the various wild flowers, fruits, plants, tubers, and aquatic species they use, we aim to understand how traditional knowledge of wild food contributes to food security and biodiversity preservation in the face of climate change. We have published multiple resources to share our research findings with the wider community:

Posters: Posters were developed to showcase the daily diet of the Sabar community, focusing on uncultivated wild foods.

Book: We also published a book titled "Shabar Janajati o Tader Prakritik Khadyavyas (Food Habit of Sabar Community)", which provides an in-depth exploration of the community's traditional food practices and their reliance on biodiversity. This book aims to raise awareness of the importance of preserving wild food sources.

Seasonal Calendar on Climate Change: We have developed a seasonal calendar to track climate patterns and their impact on agriculture, food availability, and biodiversity in the region. This tool helps local communities anticipate seasonal changes and adapt their practices accordingly. These research and publication efforts contribute to a broader understanding of how indigenous knowledge and biodiversity can enhance climate resilience in vulnerable communities like the Sabars.

Climate change adaptation and Research

Wast Land development at Ramaigara: 2003

Agroecology Gallery

Explore our impactful agroecology initiatives and community engagement efforts.