Chhattisgarh tribal-region to focus on cropping systems
The World Bank is lending US$100 million project to develop sustainable production systems that allow tribal households in remote areas of Chhattisgarh to practice round-the-year production of diversified and nutritious food.
CHIRAAG, the Chhattisgarh Inclusive Rural and Accelerated Agriculture Growth Project, will be implemented in the southern tribal-majority region of the state where a large population is undernourished and poor. The project will benefit over 180,000 households from about 1,000 villages in eight districts of Chhattisgarh.
“This project is part of the state government’s on-going efforts to build an inclusive development pathway for tribal communities, with special emphasis on the empowerment of tribal women,” said Junaid Kamal Ahmad, World Bank Country Director in India.
“By focusing on diversifying cropping systems, enhancing nutrition, and encouraging investments in irrigation and post-harvest technology, the operation will support tribal communities – including those in remote areas – through agricultural growth and increases in farmer incomes,” he said after signing the loan agreement on behalf of the World Bank on 12 Feb 2021.
“In India, agriculture is a major livelihood provider and the India Government is committed to achieving the goal of doubling farmer income by 2022. The CHIRAAG project in Chhattisgarh will lay the foundation for a diverse and nutritive food and agriculture system, mobilize smallholders into farmer producer organizations and increase incomes by improving their access to profitable markets,” Dr. C. S. Mohapatra, Additional Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, who signed the agreement with the World Bank.
Junaid Kamal Ahmad also signed the project agreement with Bhoskar Vilas Sandipan, Joint Secretary, Department of Agriculture, the Government of Chhattisgarh.
Chhattisgarh’s rich biodiversity and diverse agro-climatic zones provide an opportunity to focus on an alternative model of development allowing the tribal-dominated southern region to leverage its natural resources, diversify and grow resilient crops; and assure a production system that takes care of the nutritional needs of every household.
To make agriculture nutrition supportive, the project will implement a series of activities that are climate resilient and profitable.
Investments will be made in water-harvesting structures and irrigation facilities; integrated farming systems blending crops, fishery and livestock production; climate-smart production technologies and practices; developing value chains to ensure that surplus commodities reach profitable markets; and in making nutritious food available to tribal households.
The COVID-19 pandemic and associated response has disrupted access to economic opportunities, especially in rural and tribal areas. The project will help stabilize and restore the local food supply and production, secure livelihoods and expand income and job opportunities for people returning to their villages in pandemic-affected project areas.
The US$100 million loan is from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) and has a maturity of 17.5 years, including a grace period of 5.5-years. #loan #agriculture #investment #projects #WorldBank /fiinews.com
