For West Bengal s indigenous communities, farming innovations reduce dependence on forest reserves The situation was vastly different some years ago, when water was scarce, farming was not an option and the community was forced to venture into the forest to earn a living. They encountered elephants, leopards and other wild animals in the reserve. The Third Pole January 19, 2021 10:34:35 IST Solar power water pumps in Dholaguri. Image via The Third Pole/ Gurvinder Singh
By Gurvinder Singh
Life has transformed for Tapan Chikbaraik, a resident of Uttar Chakoakheti village in the district of Alipurduar of the Indian state of West Bengal.
He had not imagined that he and members of the indigenous community he belongs to could farm on their small farmland throughout the year. Now the 48-year-old is thrilled at the prospect of growing paddy, cauliflower, cabbag