How Tribal Women in Daringbadi Are Reviving Forests with Innovative Seed Balls

Empowering Indigenous Communities for Environmental Restoration

In Daringbadi, located in the Kandhamal district, there is a growing awareness among indigenous communities regarding environmental conservation, especially as climate change has led to significant deforestation in various villages.

Recognizing the detrimental effects of losing forests, tribal women from different panchayats have taken the initiative to restore these vital lands. They are employing a method involving the creation and distribution of seed balls, known locally as bihana mati pindula, to rejuvenate degraded forest areas, including the barren Landa hills.

These seed balls are crafted using a traditional organic technique that combines soil and compost with seeds. Once formed, they are scattered across deforested regions, providing a straightforward yet effective approach to forest regeneration. The women involved assert that this technique not only shields the seeds from harsh weather but also enhances their chances of germination and survival.

A local voluntary organization, Jagruti, is collaborating with tribal women under the state government's forest land rights initiative to revive native tree species that are at risk of extinction. They are collecting seeds from these trees, transforming them into seed balls, and distributing them across barren and deforested lands. The expectation is that these seed balls will germinate naturally, helping to restore the region's vegetation.

The restoration efforts focus on various tree species, including barada saag, siali lata (Bauhinia vines), harida (Terminalia chebula), amla (Indian gooseberry), bahada (Terminalia bellirica), kendu (Diospyros melanoxylon), jamukoli, bel (Wood apple), tentuli (tamarind), mahul (Mahua), bhalia, piasala, dimbiri, banyan, and simili (silk cotton). Additionally, seed balls are being prepared for indigenous fruit trees like desi amba (local mango), panasa (jackfruit), lembu (lemon), aat, sitaphala (custard apple), and ram phal (Annona reticulata) to aid in the preservation and regeneration of these native species.

Pradeep Kumar Kanhar and Kamini Pradhan, area resource persons at Danekabadi panchayats, report that the seed balls are being planted in open forest areas to facilitate the natural regeneration of lost biodiversity.

This movement transcends mere plantation; it signifies a profound understanding among the tribal communities of the essential role forests play in maintaining biodiversity, combating climate change, and supporting sustainable livelihoods. The women involved believe that restoring forests will also contribute to carbon sequestration and enhance vital ecosystem services.

Currently, tribal women from Danekbadi, Sonapur, and Badabanga panchayats are actively engaged in this green initiative, guided by their local Forest Management Committees. Their commitment and grassroots mobilization highlight the importance of community-driven conservation efforts in achieving long-term environmental sustainability.