Agroecological Practices in Sericulture and Non-Timber Forest Products by the Indigenous Peoples of Dighalpahari, Jharkhand, India
India Institute for Motivating Self Employment (IMSE)
India
For generations, the indigenous communities in Dighalpahari, Jharkhand, India have lived in harmony with the forest. Today, that age-old bond is shaping a vibrant micro-economy through the practice of Tasar cocoon (silk worm) cultivation and Sal leaf plate crafting.
Farmers tend to the delicate life cycle of the Tasar silkworm. Supported by IMSE and IFTOP, this traditional non-timber forest practice has transformed into an organized, empowering enterprise. Each cycle begins when the cultivators receive silkworm eggs from the local Forest Department. Through monthly capacity-building workshops organized alongside the National Sericulture Institute, around 100 farmers gather at the local campus to sharpen their skills in improved technologies, value chain dynamics, and market access. Upon completing their training, they earn official certification from the Sericulture Department. When harvest arrives, each cocoon fetches INR 4 per piece, turning forest stewardship into a reliable livelihood.
Deep within the same woods, indigenous women gather Sal leaves, operating with official permission from the local forestry office. The leaves are carefully dried under sunlight, cleaned, and stitched by skilled women into durable, organic plates. Traditional wisdom holds that Sal leaves carry medicinal properties. Selling these natural plates in local markets brings the women an average income of INR 1,500 per month.
To scale this momentum, IMSE, IFTOP, and the Dighalpahari Farmer Producer Company (FPC) have initiated dialogues with the Forest Department to acquire mechanized plate-making machinery. This allows the craftswomen to produce varied plate sizes and meet market demand.
____
The Capturing Agroecology in Action Video Contest seeks to spotlight the transformative power of agroecology, focusing specifically on its benefits for farmers’ organizations and agricultural cooperatives. Farmers’ organizations and agricultural cooperatives play a crucial role in promoting sustainable agriculture practices, empowering smallholder farmers, and strengthening rural communities. By showcasing real-life examples and success stories, we aim to inspire and educate audiences about the potential of agroecology to address pressing challenges such as food insecurity, environmental degradation, and rural poverty. Click here for more information.