Adivasi Women Train Youth on Forest Foods in India

The Palani Hills Conservation Council (PHCC) held a training session on innovative nursery techniques last July 24-26 at the Palani Hills Conservation Council centres in Genguvarpatti and Addukam. Learning about these nursery techniques can be seen as a practical approach to food security and conservation. 

The training covered several topics, from understanding the components of a functional nursery setting to the advanced theories of mapping, germination processes and grafting techniques.  

The first aspect discussed was the ideal composition of soil for plant growth. In a practical demonstration, the PHCC explained the need for an equal mixture of filtered earth, sand, and manure . This blend is widely considered the foundation of a productive nursery as it ensures that necessary nutrients are present which are critical for a plant's overall health and results to higher yield.

An interactive session was conducted where participants could test their understanding and apply the knowledge they have learned. The participants created their blend of soil, gaining hands-on experience, which is crucial in consolidating theoretical knowledge into practical application.

Next, the participants engaged in a learning session on vegetative propagation through correct cutting techniques. The Palani Hills Conservation Council reiterated the importance of accurate cutting, aligned with the specific plant requirements, concurrently showing the participants how to achieve desirable outcomes. Delving deeper into theory, they addressed each phase involved in seed collection, raising the sapling, and eventual risk preparation. Their comprehensive course touched base on a variety of topics ranging from mapping, germination processes, and grafting techniques.

The training concluded with a reflective interaction where participants shared their learning experiences and views. It provided a platform for attendees to put forth their unique perspectives and discuss their major takeaways and insights,

The Palani Hills Conservation Council (PHCC) conducted an all-encompassing blended approach training on nursery techniques. By integrating theory with practical application, PHCC delivered a well-rounded learning experience for all participants. 

A video documentation of the training is also shared and attached to this report.

Links:

• Palani Hills Conservation Council: Nursery Techniques

A workshop on wild foods with women, including young girls and children, was conducted in the Kudhraiyak Centre of the Palni Hills Conservation Council last March 30, 2023. The goal was to ascertain the status of wild food knowledge among the youth and the younger generation from the Palliyak adivasi group hailing from the settlements of the Kudhraiyar Dam, Kathalam Parai, and Pondhu Kuzhi.

The participants to the workshop had varying degrees of access to the forest and thus their consumption of wild foods on a daily basis also differed.

The workshop provided a space for multi-generation interaction. It was apparent during the discussions that the younger generation knew very little about identifying yams and greens that could be eaten. Demonstrations of food ways and techniques were done which made for a rich discussion and exchange. Outputs of the workshop also included knowledge exchange and listing of wild foods knowledge about fish, tubers, fruits, greens and other plants that were utilized and consumed.

The workshop ended with a meal prepared with ingredients that were caught fresh from the wild - fish were cooked together with yams and greens that were collected from the forest and streams. A plan was made to meet again at another time and bring in more youngsters who could participate in a similar workshop.

One can learn more about the workshop through the attached photos and documentation that come with this report.

• Read the report on the wild foods workshop (PDF)