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Red Sanders Farmers Get Rs 55 Lakh Boost in Landmark Biodiversity Deal

The National Biodiversity Authority has made a landmark payment to Red Sanders farmers in Tamil Nadu. This Rs 55 lakh disbursement benefits 18 cultivators across eight villages in Tiruvallur District. The initiative follows earlier ABS payments of Rs 48 crore to state forest departments for Red Sanders protection. This model connects conservation with livelihoods while ensuring sustainable sourcing of the valuable endemic species.

Key Points: NBA Releases Rs 55 Lakh to Tamil Nadu Red Sanders Farmers

  • 18 farmers across eight Tiruvallur villages receive conservation compensation
  • Initiative builds on Rs 48 crore ABS share for forest departments
  • Follows 2019 DGFT policy allowing export of cultivated Red Sanders
  • Promotes farm-based conservation to reduce wild population pressure
2 min read

National Biodiversity Authority release Rs 55 lakh to Red Sanders farmers in Tamil Nadu

National Biodiversity Authority disburses Rs 55 lakh to 18 Red Sanders farmers in Tamil Nadu under Access and Benefit Sharing framework for sustainable conservation.

"This first-of-its-kind benefit-sharing initiative for farmers marks a historic step towards inclusive biodiversity conservation. - Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change"

New Delhi, October 28

In a landmark initiative under the Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) framework for promoting the sustainable use of India's biological resources, the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) has released Rs 55 lakh to 18 farmers and cultivators of Red Sanders (Pterocarpus santalinus) in Tamil Nadu through the State Biodiversity Board, according to a Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change release.

The beneficiaries belong to eight villages in Tiruvallur District, namely Kannabhiran Nagar, Kothur, Vembedu, Siruniyum, Goonipalayam, Ammambakkam, Alikuzhi, and Thimmaboopola Puram.

This first-of-its-kind benefit-sharing initiative for farmers/ cultivators marks a historic step towards inclusive biodiversity conservation. It builds upon the NBA's earlier release of ABS share of Rs 48 crores to the Andhra Pradesh Forest Department, Karnataka Forest Department and Andhra Pradesh State Biodiversity Board for the protection and conservation of Red sanders.

This initiative stems from the recommendations of an Expert Committee on Red Sanders constituted by the NBA in 2015. It prepared a comprehensive report titled 'Policy for Conservation, Sustainable Use and Fair and Equitable Benefit Sharing Arising from the Utilisation of Red Sanders'. One of the key outcomes of the Committee's recommendations was the 2019 policy relaxation by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) that permitted the export of Red Sanders from cultivated sources. It is a significant boost for farm-based conservation and trade.

Red Sanders, an endemic species of the Eastern Ghats found only in Andhra Pradesh, has ecological, economic, and cultural significance. It is also cultivated in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Odisha and other States.

Promoting cultivated Red Sanders not only supports farmers' livelihoods but also helps to meet the growing market demand through legally sourced and sustainably grown Red Sanders, thereby reducing pressure on wild populations of the species.

This benefit-sharing model reinforces community participation in conservation while ensuring that those safeguarding biodiversity are duly compensated. The NBA is committed to linking conservation with livelihoods, strengthening community stewardship, and ensuring that the custodians of biodiversity receive their rightful share of the benefits by safeguarding one of India's most valued and endemic tree species for future generations.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
As someone from Tamil Nadu, I'm really happy to see our farmers getting recognized for their conservation efforts. Red Sanders is precious and this initiative will encourage more farmers to cultivate it legally instead of illegal harvesting from forests.
A
Arun Y
While this is a good step, Rs 55 lakh divided among 18 farmers comes to about Rs 3 lakh each. Given that Red Sanders takes 15-20 years to mature, is this really adequate compensation? The government should ensure farmers get fair prices for their long-term commitment.
S
Sarah B
This is brilliant! Connecting conservation with economic benefits is the way forward. More such initiatives needed for other endangered species like sandalwood and medicinal plants. India's biodiversity is our national treasure! 🇮🇳
K
Karthik V
The 2019 policy change allowing export of cultivated Red Sanders was crucial. Now farmers have both domestic and international markets. This shows how good policy can transform conservation efforts into sustainable livelihoods. Well done NBA!
M
Meera T
Red Sanders has such cultural significance in our traditions. Glad to see it's being protected through community participation. Hope this inspires more youth to take up sustainable farming practices. Jai Kisan! 🙏

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