Tribal Development Fund sanctioned in the year 2009, an integrated development program for 1575 tribal families in 15 yanadi tribal villages taken up in 1500 acres with the budget of Rs.616.07 lakhs in KVB Puram,Yerpedu and Srikalahasti mandal of Chittoor Dist. The program implementation is by adopting WADI concept with the support of NABARD. PRAGATHI has been selected as PIA, and before our intervention the tribes lands were fallow, non-cultivable spread wide bushes.The tribes used to go for NTFP collections, in the surrounding forest areas.
The PIA has taken it as a challenge and generated awareness on the importance of land as livelihood source. The tribes changed their mind and came forward to develop their own lands by promoting horticulture with mango &amla plantations.The tribes got exposed and gained knowledge about various methods of WADI approach, and successfully attempted to practice the same. Collective efforts were made by having MAATHOTA development committee. Programmes focused all these areas: horticulture plantations, soil conservation works, water resource development, livelihood interventions, health awareness, women development activities and capacity building/ trainings. Veterinary and health camps conducted with the coordination of concerned line departments. facilitated community members in availing loan from the bank. Regular meetings and interactions held with the concerned line departments such as horticulture, soil & water conservation, animal husbandry, health, NEDCAP, banks and they extended their cooperation.
