The Hindu : Kerala News : Tribal colony in Idukki district makes news again

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Tribal colony in Idukki district makes news again

Giji K. Raman

Farmers, under the aegis of Periyar Foundation , will export 4,640 kg of organic pepper to Germany

Last year the colony exported 3,825 kg of organic pepper
The total amount collected from exports last year was Rs.9.46 lakh

KUMILY: Vanchivayal Tribal Colony inside the Periyar Tiger Reserve (PTR) looks like any other Adivasi colony in forest land. Known for its self-sustaining activity, it is a role model thanks to the initiative of the Periyar Foundation. The hamlet hit the news last year when it exported 3,825 kg of pepper to the Ecoland Herbs and Spices Company based in Germany, becoming the first tribal colony in the State to export the organic cash crop.

This year too the farmers in the colony are readying to export 4,640 kg of organic pepper, P.P. Pramod, PTR Deputy Director, said.

According to him, the pepper is exported only after the importing agency conducts preliminary tests. “It is a welcome news that more pepper from the tribal hamlet will be exported this time. This not only provides the poor members of tribal community a higher price for their product but also saves them from exploitation by middlemen,” he said.

Last year the Periyar Foundation could give 33 per cent extra price to the farmers for their product.

The total amount collected last year from the export was Rs.9.46 lakh, and this time more farmers have been included in the scheme. An official of the Periyar Foundation said that the initiative was taken by the eco-development committee (EDCs) and the foundation’s role is just guiding the farmers and the EDCs on collection, drying and storing of pepper as per the quality criteria needed for exports.

Favourable climate

The rich soil, favourable climate and the atmosphere of the forest make the produce free of pesticides and fertilizers making it organic and fit for export.

The Forest Department also plans to extent the scheme to the Attappady and Wayanad tribal areas, said sources and added that a campaign among the farmers is needed to make the farmers aware of the opportunity.

Though, the Periyar Foundation tried to bring more farmers in the nearby colonies in the PTR under the scheme, it has succeeded as there is a practice among the tribes to harvest the yield before it reaches full maturity.

“This reduces the quantity of the dried pepper and also reduces the prices and makes it unfit for exports,” said Ramanan, an EDC member.

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