The government of Andhra Pradesh launched the Aranya Sri pilot project on May 16, 2026, to strengthen tribal livelihoods through bamboo cultivation, processing, and value addition. The initiative aims to create sustainable income opportunities for tribal communities by utilizing forest resources and promoting local entrepreneurship through Self Help Groups.
Major Highlights
- The Aranya Sri pilot project was inaugurated at Gondigudem village in Chintoor mandal of Polavaram district.
- The project was launched by District Collector K. Dinesh Kumar and ST Commission Chairman S. Bojji Reddi.
- The initiative focuses on improving tribal incomes by encouraging sustainable utilization of forest-based resources, particularly bamboo cultivation and processing.
- Around one lakh bamboo plants will be cultivated across forest areas in 15 selected tribal villages under the pilot phase of the project.
- According to the revenue-sharing model, 50 percent of the income generated through bamboo cultivation and sales will be directly transferred to participating Self Help Groups.
- Since bamboo is legally classified as a Minor Forest Produce, tribal communities are permitted to collect and market it even from reserve forest areas.
- The Integrated Tribal Development Agency at Chintoor will provide skill development training to tribal beneficiaries for producing bamboo-based handicrafts, utility products, and decorative items.
- Officials from the Forest Department, including the District Forest Officer, will supervise the harvesting and utilization process to ensure that bamboo is used primarily for value-added economic activities.
- The Andhra Pradesh government plans to expand the Aranya Sri model throughout the Polavaram region after evaluating the success of the pilot phase.
- The initiative is also aligned with a broader state objective of empowering nearly one lakh women through the bamboo value chain in partnership with the Industree Foundation.
Important Terms
- Minor Forest Produce (MFP): Non-timber forest products such as bamboo, honey, tendu leaves, and medicinal plants that can be collected and used by forest-dependent communities.
- Self Help Group (SHG): A community-based financial and livelihood group, usually consisting of women, formed to promote savings, credit access, and income generation activities.
- Integrated Tribal Development Agency (ITDA): A government agency established to implement welfare, livelihood, and development programmes for tribal communities in designated tribal regions.
