What is the NBA's Initiative of Rs 55 Lakh for Farmers in Tamil Nadu?
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Synopsis
Discover how the National Biodiversity Authority is empowering farmers in Tamil Nadu with a substantial Rs 55 lakh funding for Red Sanders cultivation. This initiative not only promotes sustainable biodiversity practices but also ensures fair compensation for farmers safeguarding our ecological heritage.
Key Takeaways
- NBA allocates Rs 55 lakh for 18 farmers in Tamil Nadu.
- Funds support sustainable cultivation of Red Sanders.
- Initiative promotes equitable benefit-sharing.
- Enhances farmers' livelihoods while conserving biodiversity.
- Encourages community participation in protection efforts.
New Delhi, Oct 28 (NationPress) In a significant initiative aimed at fostering equitable benefit-sharing and the sustainable utilization of biodiversity, the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) has allocated Rs 55 lakh for 18 farmers engaged in the cultivation of Red Sanders (Pterocarpus santalinus) in Tamil Nadu, as reported by an official on Tuesday.
The allocation, facilitated through the State Biodiversity Board under the Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) framework, is directed towards farmers from eight villages, including Kannabhiran Nagar, Kothur, Vembedu, Siruniyum, Goonipalayam, Ammambakkam, Alikuzhi, and Thimmaboopola Puram within the Tiruvallur District, the official from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change stated.
The benefit-sharing initiative is a step forward in promoting inclusive biodiversity conservation. It builds on the NBA’s previous release of an ABS share amounting to Rs 48 crore to the Andhra Pradesh Forest Department, Karnataka Forest Department, and Andhra Pradesh State Biodiversity Board for the protection and conservation of Red Sanders.
This initiative is a result of the recommendations from an Expert Committee on Red Sanders formed by the NBA in 2015, which produced a detailed report titled ‘Policy for Conservation, Sustainable Use and Fair and Equitable Benefit Sharing Arising from the Utilisation of Red Sanders’.
A notable outcome of the Committee’s recommendations was the 2019 policy relaxation by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), allowing the export of Red Sanders from cultivated sources, significantly enhancing farm-based conservation and trade.
Red Sanders, a species native to the Eastern Ghats found exclusively in Andhra Pradesh, is ecologically, economically, and culturally significant. It is also cultivated in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Odisha, and other states.
Encouraging the cultivation of Red Sanders supports farmers’ livelihoods while meeting the increasing market demand for legally sourced and sustainably grown Red Sanders, thereby alleviating pressure on wild populations of the species.
This benefit-sharing model strengthens community involvement in conservation, ensuring that those protecting biodiversity receive fair compensation.
The NBA is dedicated to connecting conservation efforts with livelihoods, enhancing community stewardship, and guaranteeing that the guardians of biodiversity are rewarded for preserving one of India’s most valued and endemic tree species for future generations.
Point of View
I emphasize the significance of the NBA's funding initiative for farmers cultivating Red Sanders in Tamil Nadu. This move aligns with global sustainability goals and highlights the importance of fair compensation in biodiversity conservation, ensuring a balanced approach that benefits both the environment and the local economy.
NationPress
31/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the NBA's funding?
The NBA's funding of Rs 55 lakh aims to promote equitable benefit-sharing and sustainable biodiversity use among farmers cultivating Red Sanders in Tamil Nadu.
How many farmers are receiving the funds?
Eighteen farmers from eight villages in Tamil Nadu are the beneficiaries of the Rs 55 lakh funding from the NBA.
What is Red Sanders and why is it important?
Red Sanders (Pterocarpus santalinus) is an endemic species significant for its ecological, economic, and cultural value, primarily found in the Eastern Ghats of India.
How does this initiative support farmers?
This initiative supports farmers by providing them with financial resources to cultivate Red Sanders sustainably, ensuring they are compensated for their role in biodiversity conservation.
What are the long-term benefits of this funding?
The long-term benefits include enhanced livelihoods for farmers, reduced pressure on wild Red Sanders populations, and a strengthened community focus on biodiversity conservation.
