APFDC, ISB, BIPP sign MoU to boost AP tribals livelihoods

The tripartite agreement was signed by representatives of the three organisations in the presence of AP Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) Chiranjiv Choudhary at the Forest Department headquarters in Mangalagiri on Saturday.

This agreement follows the advice of Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan to identify rare forest products and facilitate their marketing, with the aim of improving the living standards of tribal women who depend on forests for their livelihoods. The MoU focuses on the identification, collection, and marketing of seasonal forest products in forested areas using digital and geospatial technology, ensuring no harm to the natural habitat. Under the agreement, the three institutions will collaborate with local tribal women to streamline the collection of valuable timber from forests and enhance its market value. Additionally, the MoU emphasises value addition and branding of forest products.

Describing the MoU as a game-changer, PCCF Chiranjiv Choudhary stated, “The MoU will pave the way for the economic upliftment of tribals. Wealth creation through forest products will significantly increase, enhancing the livelihoods of around 40% of tribals who still depend on forest resources.”Bharti Institute of Public Policy ED Ashwani Chatri highlighted that the project's objective is to transform the lives of tribals by establishing a supply chain, providing branding and marketing support for forest products, opening new avenues, and ensuring that the income generated directly benefits the tribals.