Koraput, Nov 12: The Central University of Odisha (CUO) organised a two-day launch programme of the project titled “Integrated Conservation, Agro-technology & Bioresource Enterprise Development for Sustainable Tribal Livelihoods” at its Sunabeda campus on Thursday.

Supported by the Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs, the project is being implemented by the CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute (CSIR-NBRI), Lucknow. The initiative aims to scientifically document and promote traditional tribal knowledge, conserve indigenous bioresources, and facilitate the development and national promotion of bioresource-based products to strengthen sustainable livelihoods among tribal communities.

The programme was organised as part of the Janajatiya Gaurav Divas Pakhwada, observed from November 1 to 15 to commemorate the birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda.

As part of the initiative, the dignitaries jointly inaugurated the ‘Parashar Tribal Medicinal Plant Garden’ on the university campus. The garden houses more than 300 varieties of medicinal plants. An exhibition showcasing rare medicinal plants and traditional healing practices of Koraput was also organised, featuring presentations by local tribal healers.

The special programme was attended by Manish Thakur, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Tribal Affairs; Prof. (Dr.) Ajit Kumar Shasany, Vice-Chancellor, CUO; Dr. Sharad Srivastava, Scientist-G and Principal Investigator of the project at CSIR-NBRI, Lucknow; and Dr. Debabrata Panda, Nodal Officer of the programme.

Addressing the gathering, Prof. Shasany emphasised the importance of systematically documenting and disseminating the traditional knowledge of tribal healers while conserving endangered medicinal plants for future generations. He stressed the need to strengthen the skills and livelihood opportunities of tribal healers through scientific interventions and institutional, financial and technical support. He also highlighted the importance of establishing medicinal plant nurseries and promoting large-scale cultivation.

Manish Thakur outlined the initiatives of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs under the project and called for coordinated efforts among all stakeholders to improve the livelihoods of tribal communities.

Also Read: Nearly 2.10 lakh rural youth trained, over 1.23 lakh placed under DDU-GKY in Odisha

He informed the gathering that 16 tribal hotspots have been identified across the country, including three in Odisha—Koraput, Kandhamal and Balangir. The project will focus on conserving rare medicinal plants, documenting the traditional healing practices of tribal communities and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities.

Expressing optimism about the initiative, Thakur said the project would help tribal communities develop into self-sustaining institutions.

Dr. Sharad Srivastava elaborated on the objectives and significance of the project, highlighting its focus on integrating scientific research, conservation of indigenous bioresources and enterprise development to create sustainable economic opportunities for tribal communities.