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Adivasi Economy and Chenchu Women: A Study of Nannari Cultivation in Nallamala Forest
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Adivasi Economy and Chenchu Women: A Study of Nannari Cultivation in Nallamala Forest

Chevuri Sathish Kumar

Adivasi economics” advocates for a lifestyle based on non-monetized labor exchange and sustainable use of natural resources. Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) are essential for the livelihoods of people living near forests. They include valuable resources such as medicinal plants, dyes, mushrooms, fruits, and honey etc. Often referred to as “minor forest products,” NTFPs are vital sources of food and income for local communities. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) defines NTFPs as goods derived from forests serving commercial, industrial, or personal needs. Tribal communities actively collect these products to meet their basic needs effectively. (NTFPs are a key alternative to the term “minor forest products.”)

Chenchus and Minor Forest Produce 

Approximately 1,541 Chenchus live in remote forest areas, relying on the collection of minor forest produce within the Integrated Tribal Development Agency (ITDA) region. In the fiscal year 2008-2009, these 1,541 Chenchus earned a total of Rs. 122.45 lakhs by collecting various forest products, including gum karaya, gum kondagogu, honey, soapnuts, tamarind, pongamia seeds, maredugaddalu, and nuxomica. The average annual income for each Chenchu dependent on minor forest produce was Rs. 7,500.

District-wise MFP procurement details are as follows:

District  MFP Procurement purchase cost (Rs.in lakhs) No. of MFP collectors 
Mahabubnagar 54.55 502
Prakasam 37.90 390
Kurnool  30.00 649
Total 122.45 1541

Source: Rc.No.M /P.OSpl./2009 dated: 05.2009

Nannari (‘Maredu Gaddalu’) and Chenchu Women

Nannari (Decalepis hamiltonii), called ‘Maredu Gaddalu’ in Telugu, represents a significant NTFP for the Chenchu and Yanadi communities in the Rayalaseema region of Andhra Pradesh. The root of this plant is utilized in herbal medicines and pickles. It is also a key ingredient in a popular local health drink. The Girijan Cooperative Corporation has made great strides in this area by procuring Nannari roots for over 20 years and introducing a highly successful value-added product, ‘Nannari Sharbat,’ which has gained widespread consumer appreciation.

The increasing demand for Decalepis in the national market presents a valuable opportunity for these communities to enhance their livelihoods. However, it is crucial to manage this demand sustainably to prevent over-exploitation. By implementing responsible harvesting practices and raising awareness about the importance of conservation, we can ensure that Nannari continues to thrive, securing its ecological balance and the economic well-being of the communities that rely on it.

In the Nallamala forest, the women from the Chenchu tribal community who live in isolation created an inspiring story of self-reliance and entrepreneurship. They have transformed their struggles into a powerful journey, becoming role models for their community. By cultivating Nannari (Indian Sarsaparilla) and producing a medicinal juice, these remarkable women have turned their efforts into a thriving business.

The women embraced the Van Dhan Vikas Kendra (VDVK) scheme, transforming their livelihoods through Nannari cultivation. Starting with 20 acres, the Chenchu men managed the plantations while the women processed the roots into Nannari juice. Their determination paid off, as the juice became highly sought after for its medicinal properties, selling for Rs 130 to Rs 200 per liter.

  • Edamma, a Chenchu woman from Bairluty Gudem, shares their inspiring journey. “I never thought we could achieve something like this. Producing and selling Nannari juice has given us pride and is a source of income. We truly feel empowered as entrepreneurs now.” The juice yields an impressive 25 liters per kilogram of roots, is thriving in local markets, and is reaching consumers in other districts and states.
  • Shivalingamma from Yerramatam Gudem shared, “Our lives used to be filled with daily challenges. However, thanks to this project, we’ve gained a renewed sense of hope. Seeing our children look up to us as role models fills us with immense pride and motivates us to strive for a better future.”
  • Arogyaiah, a member of the Chenchu community, successfully implemented the ‘Package of Practices’ from the NGO Kovel Foundation. This initiative empowered him to produce an impressive 300 kg of dry Nannari root. By selling the product at Rs. 200 per kg, he generated a total income of Rs. 60,000. This remarkable achievement is an inspiration for the community, demonstrating that significant earnings can be realized from as little as 0.25 acres of land. Such success highlights the potential for sustainable agriculture and economic development for the community. To revitalize Nannari cultivation in the Nallamala forest region, it is essential for every Chenchu family to engage in this practice. By working together, we can preserve this valuable tradition and ensure its sustainability for future generations.

References:

1 https://ecologise.in/2017/06/28/will-adivasi-economics-hope-indias-future/
2 Tejaswi, Pillenahalli Basavarajappa. “Non-timber forest products (NTFPs) for food and livelihood security: An
economic study of tribal economy in western ghats of Karnataka, India.” (2008).p.1.
3 Nath, Snehlata. “Ensuring sustainable harvests through market-based tools and community-based organizations: A
practitioner’s perspective.” In Conservation through Sustainable Use, pp. 43-58. Routledge India, 2022.p.50.
4 Ibid.51.
5 https://www.newindianexpress.com/good-news/2025/Jan/12/chenchu-women-lead-change-in-nallamala-with-nannari-cultivation-in-andhra

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Chevuri Sathish Kumar has an M.A. History from University of Hyderabad. He is currently a Ph.D. research Scholar at the Dept. of History, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow.

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