Jhargram Story: 80 Acres
The approach of IMAP to include the marginal ethnic groups in the mainstream was accepted by both
the administration and the members of these ethnic groups. IMAP began to be a useful friend, especially
to the women of the community. Two similar projects were undertaken in the nearby Jhargram district,
which is primarily a tribal area with vast stretches of fallow land.
Not only did these projects provide a
source of income for many tribal people, but they also brought about a significant change in their
socioeconomic lives.The regular income from wages created the propensity to save among these tribal
people. A market where regular transactions could be made emerged, agricultural expertise increased,
primary health care helped them live a healthy life, dietary preferences were gradually shifting, and
overall an upward spiral effect was set in motion. With the kind co-operation of the administration and active participants of the
local people, 5 Lakh plants were raised in 5 years, resulting in the reclamation of 105 acres of fallow land
along with yielding agricultural produce.