The Need for Sustainable Tribal Livelihoods

NABARD Issues Press Note on Tribal Development Fund

Inclusive development requires the mainstreaming of tribal communities through improved and sustainable livelihoods. NABARD has been at the forefront in supporting tribal communities through various skill development and promotional programs. A flagship initiative of NABARD is the Wadi model of tribal development, which evolved with the support of national and international development agencies, ultimately leading to the creation of the Tribal Development Fund (TDF).

Building on the success of its Adivasi Development Programs, NABARD launched a nationwide initiative replicating the orchard model, culminating in the establishment of the Tribal Development Fund in 2003-04. Recently renamed TRIBES (Tribal Resilience Initiative for Building Environmentally Sustainable Livelihoods), this initiative aims to empower tribal communities.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The TRIBES initiative aligns with the following Sustainable Development Goals:

• Goal 1: End poverty
• Goal 2: Achieve food security and promote sustainable agriculture
• Goal 3: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages
• Goal 5: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls
• Goal 8: Promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth
• Goal 13: Combat climate change
• Goal 15: Protect terrestrial ecosystems

TRIBES Livelihood Projects in Mizoram

The NABARD Mizoram Regional Office (RO) has sanctioned 13 TRIBES projects, underscoring its commitment to transforming tribal livelihoods in the state. Out of these, seven projects have been successfully completed, while six are ongoing. A total of ₹1,899 lakhs has been sanctioned, with ₹1,694 lakhs disbursed to date.

These projects support a range of crops, including orange, mango, litchi, arecanut, papaya, and banana, with intercrops such as turmeric, garden pea, and pineapple. For landless farmers, diversified livelihood options like piggery and poultry units have been developed.

The projects are implemented through Project Facilitating Agencies (PFAs), including NEIDA, World Vision India – CADP, CODNERC, and Angel Business Promoters of Mizoram. To ensure successful implementation, the projects are closely monitored at both the district level by DDMs and by consultants from NABARD Consultancy Services (NABCONS).

Impact of TRIBES Livelihood Projects

The TRIBES initiative covers seven districts—Aizawl, Champhai, Khawzawl, Lunglei, Lawngtlai, Mamit, and Serchhip—encompassing 90 villages and benefiting over 19,250 families. These projects have brought 3,500+ acres of land under cultivation, significantly enhancing agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability.

In Mizoram, where shifting cultivation (locally called jhumming) is a traditional practice, reduced fallow periods have led to environmental challenges and declining land productivity. The TRIBES initiative addresses these issues through land development programs, sustainable farming techniques, and capacity-building efforts. By diversifying crops and adopting sustainable agricultural practices, tribal communities have improved productivity while conserving natural resources.

Conclusion

NABARD continues to lead the way in designing and implementing programs for natural resource management and sustainable livelihoods. Tribal communities, often residing in forest fringe areas, are highly vulnerable and dependent on forest resources. By providing better livelihood opportunities, NABARD is not only enhancing their quality of life but also reducing pressure on forests, ensuring environmental conservation alongside socio-economic progress.