Assam: Villagers empowered with lemon cultivation for human-elephant conflict mitigation

Guwahati: In a bid to empower local communities affected by human-elephant conflict (HEC) and boost their income, Aaranyak, a renowned biodiversity conservation organization, and the British Asian Trust, in collaboration with the KVK, Dibrugarh, conducted a training program on Assam lemon cultivation and crop protection recently.

This initiative, supported by the Darwin Initiative, aimed to equip 38 villagers from three nearby villages with the necessary skills and knowledge to cultivate Assam lemons effectively.

Experts Sharmistha Borgohain and Sanghamitra Sarmah from KVK, Dibrugarh, led the training, focusing on the unique properties of Assam lemons.

The training highlighted the strategic use of lemon trees as a bio-fence to deter elephants. Planting them in a specific pattern - three rows with alternating positions - creates a natural barrier that discourages elephants from entering crop fields. This method not only mitigates HEC but also provides an additional income source for the community through lemon sales.

To jumpstart the initiative, Aaranyak provided partial support to 15 beneficiaries by offering lemon saplings.

Dr. Alolika Sinha, a conservation biologist with Aaranyak, emphasized the organization's commitment to partnering with local communities and ensuring the long-term success of the project.

The training went beyond simply providing saplings. Participants received hands-on demonstrations on planting techniques, learned about pest management strategies, and gained insights into the harvesting season and market potential of Assam lemons. This comprehensive approach aimed to equip them with the knowledge and confidence needed to establish sustainable lemon cultivation practices.

This training program is part of a larger project by Aaranyak and the British Asian Trust, supported by the Darwin Initiative, that aims to promote peaceful coexistence between humans and elephants in Assam and Meghalaya.

By empowering local communities through sustainable livelihood options like lemon cultivation, the project seeks to reduce HEC incidents and foster a harmonious relationship with these magnificent creatures.