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Velugu Association operates in the remote areas of Srikakulam and Manayam Districts in Andhra Pradesh, India, with a primary focus on empowering the Adivasi community, also known as Schedule Tribe. Recognizing the challenges faced by the Adivasi/Tribal communities, including geographical and cultural isolation, limited access to healthcare,struggles to meet basic needs, insufficient control over resources, educational and skill deficiencies, malnutrition, inadequate shelter, limited access to water and sanitation, susceptibility to shocks and violence, poor infrastructure, and restricted political freedom, Velugu Association endeavors to address these issues comprehensively.
The organization emphasizes the significance of the social sector, particularly in the domains of education, healthcare, housing, and water supply, as crucial elements for the economic development of the Adivasi/Tribal community. To catalyze positive change in their lives, Velugu Association meticulously designs a tailored package of activities aimed at addressing these multifaceted challenges and fostering holistic development within the targeted Adivasi community.
Embracing the concept that “unity is power,” Velugu Association actively promotes socio-economic empowerment within communities. We have worked diligently to strengthen grassroots to mandal-level community structures, collaborating with like- minded individuals such as women, farmers, and youth. Our efforts include the promotion of women groups and federations, farmers groups and federations, youth groups, and cultural groups. Presently, we have established four Mutual Aided Cooperative Societies (MACSs) in the project area, comprising 2726 members of both
genders. Through these cooperatives, we engage in collective marketing of farmers’ produce, including Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFP), in wholesale markets, and undertake value addition activities for the benefit of the farming community.
Through coordinated efforts with forest rights committees, community institutions, local PRI members, and elected representatives, Velugu Association has successfully facilitated 3769 families in securing 10141.42 acres of Individual Forest Rights (IFR) and granted 9 villages with 2143.53 acres of Community Forest Rights (CFR) under the Forest Rights Act of 2006. Additionally, our collaborative initiatives with local extension officers at both Mandal and district levels have resulted in the creation of 50 additional working days under NREGS, specifically benefiting the Adivasi community and contributing to a reduction in seasonal migration in search of livelihoods.
The livelihoods of the Adivasi community hinge on forest and forest land, with agriculture and related activities serving as their primary sources of income. Recognizing the pivotal role of land, forest, and water (Natural Resources Management or NRM), Velugu Association has prioritized NRM activities. Through collaboration, cooperation, and coordination with government agencies and Panchayat Raj instructions, we have actively promoted NRM activities utilizing NREGS funds. Notably, we have successfully implemented initiatives such as the creation of 10 farm ponds, renovation of water bodies, stone packing, and stone bonding. Additionally, we emphasize the plantation of horticultural and endangered species, fostering community participation. Over the past two years, we have encouraged mass seed sowing within the community to enhance tree coverage in the forest.
Velugu Association has actively promoted natural farming practices in the project area. As part of this initiative, we have provided farmers with training on Ghana Jeeva Amrutan, Drava Jeeva Amrutam, and Line Showing, in close collaboration with Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Horticulture, and Agriculture departments. Additionally, we have encouraged the cultivation of flowers and fish in the project area. Addressing the issue of unemployment among youth, we have focused on creating local employment opportunities in agriculture and horticulture. Over the past few years, we have successfully employed 483 youth in various activities related to Agriculture, Horticulture, and allied sectors.
Velugu Association has successfully promoted mixed horticulture, collaborating closely with the Horticulture department of ITDA and engaging 685 farmers in the project area. In alignment with the Government of India’s declaration of 2023 as the “millet year,” we have been actively promoting traditional seeds and their restoration. This year, 623 farmers cultivated millet on 456 acres of land. Moreover, we are encouraging the target population to engage in backyard poultry and kitchen gardening to ensure a sustainable supply of green vegetables and nutrient-rich food. As part of this effort, we distributed 750 vegetable seed kits, encompassing a variety of vegetables, to 750 families.
Committed to empowering its target members by providing legal support when needed. Through our interventions, we successfully resolved a longstanding issue related to land ownership between tribal and non-tribal communities. Specifically, we facilitated the transfer of land titles to the legal heirs of 36 families following the death of the pattadar (land holder). Additionally, in the case of the Kannayadhara Konda granite lease, which was issued to a private party under political influence, Velugu Association played a proactive role in advocating for the cancellation of the lease.
Velugu Association places a strong emphasis on addressing broader issues and influencing policy matters through active coordination and networking with like-minded institutions, individuals, and political leaders in the state. Recently, to advocate for the settlement of community claims related to Individual Forest Rights (IFR) and Habitat Rights under the Forest Rights Act of 2006, Velugu Association collaborated with organizations such as ALLERT and Adivasi Mitra in a meeting with the Honourable Minister of Tribal Welfare, Government of Andhra Pradesh. During the recent COVID-19 pandemic, Velugu Association, in collaboration with the Andhra Pradesh government’s Health Department and funding partners, provided essential support to the most
deprived communities in the form of nutrition kits, sanitizers, masks, and other necessities. Velugu Association remains steadfast in extending support to communities during challenging pandemic situations.