Impacting Lives of Grashiya Tribes in Gogunda and Kotra Block of Udaipur Rajasthan through Intervention in Custard Apple Value Chain
Impacting Lives of Grashiya Tribes in Gogunda and Kotra Block of Udaipur Rajasthan through Intervention in Custard Apple Value Chain
Authors : Rakesh Kumar Gupta and Namita Pandey
In India, 8% of the total population comprises of Scheduled Tribes (ST) (approximately
10 crore) and 50% of them depend on forest for their livelihood. They live in an
ecosystem privileged with natural resources. However, due to lack of infrastructure, market
accessibility and knowledge, they are unable to reap the benefi t of these resources. They are
forced to live in poverty, devoid of basic facility like health, education, electricity amongst
others.
In 2015-16, Gramshree Development Services Private Limited, ventured into the tribal belt
of southern Rajasthan’s Kotada and Gogunda block in Udaipur. Kotada has been identifi ed
as one of the most backward blocks of Rajasthan. This block was almost inaccessible
before the four-lane national highway NH-27 was built in 2010. Grashiya and Bheel
tribes dominate these areas. Normally, people from outside or even from Udaipur did not
venture into these areas after 3 pm as it was considered notorious and unsafe. The area is
blessed with different natural resources like mahua, custard apple, gooseberries, tamarind
and other minor forest produce.
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