Author: Abhijit Mohanty
The ‘art houses’ of Odisha’s Santal tribe
The colourful murals painted by Santal women are a centre of attraction in Mayurbhanj district. The community believes that the artworks adorning the mud walls of homes appease their god and ancestors, ensuring their health and prosperity.
Sal-sufficient: Leafy tableware of Odisha’s Santhal tribe
Santhal women in Odisha's Mayurbhanj district are preserving their ancient heritage by making plates and bowls from sal leaves. However, the arrival of plastic products in remote tribal areas is fast wiping out the practice.
Could this Odisha tribal snack start a food trend?
Palami Mallick, 65, who belongs to the Kutia Kondh tribe in Odisha's Kandhamal district, prepares mandia pitha using ragi and other ingredients. This particularly vulnerable tribal group has a strong cultural association with millets.
Dhinki delight in Odisha: Bringing back hand-pounded ragi
When doctors suggested finger millet gruel for her husband’s ailment, Saraswati Naik of Asuki village in Kendujhar district not only started growing ragi, but also pounded it by hand to retain its nutritional value. She now swears by it.
Making red weaver ant chutney
For years, red weaver ant has been an integral part of diet among the tribal communities in North Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district that has ensured their dietary diversity and food security. During lean season, when there is no standing crop for harvest, tribals often make a living out of selling it in the weekly market.
Step-by-step guide to make red ant chutney
The red weaver ant is an integral part of the diet of tribal communities in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district. During the lean season, when there is no standing crop, tribals often sell these insects in the local market to make a living.
Dying Siali craft keeps Mankidia tribe on the edge
The tribe was displaced from the Similipal forest when it became a national park, which reduced access to the Siali creeper they weave into ropes and baskets.
Cut off from forests, Odisha’s tribe struggles to survive
Once known for its intricate relationship with the forest, the Hill Kharia tribal community in Odisha now battles malnutrition and other serious health issues.
How ‘Canal Man’ channelled strength for Odisha village
Daitari Naik’s Talabaitarani village in Kendujhar district is no longer the parched land where people were forced to drink muddied water. The 3km canal he dug almost single-handedly ensures lush crops all year round.
Mixing it up: Odisha farmer’s journey inspires other women
In a mineral rich district of northern Odisha, Suprava Pradhan achieves financial independence by mixing millet cultivation with other crops, like mushrooms, and rearing livestock too, paving the way for other women farmers.
Photo essay: When millets go mainstream to bring a revolution
Once known as poor man’s food, millets are being recognised for their nutrition and climate resilience. In Odisha, tribal women self-help groups are leading a revolution through their millet-based food enterprises.
Ills of eucalyptus drive Odisha tribals back to legacy crops
In southern Odisha farmers are switching from water-guzzling eucalyptus trees to diversified farming of traditional crops to boost soil fertility, crop yield, household income and dietary diversity.
Once a pride, the Malkangiri pony struggles to survive
Cut off from mainland Odisha, the hilly hinterland of Swabhiman Anchal depended on horses to carry goods and people for ages, but modern roads have pushed these pack animals to the fringes.
Why this woman in Odisha is called a traditional seed guardian
Kudeladu Jani, a tribal farmer in Odisha’s Kandhamal district who’s been conserving traditional seeds for two decades, says they’re precious because they need no chemicals, are nutritious and protect the community’s traditional agro-ecological knowledge.
Fish on The Menu: A tale of reverse migration, malnutrition and tribals of Odisha
Fish farming helps the young tribals of Malkangiri, Odisha ditch migrant work for a profitable livelihood at home, boosting fish production and fighting malnutrition to boot.
Desi chicken empowers Odisha’s tribal women
In southern Odisha’s Malkangiri district, tribal women are rearing local breeds of chicken in free-range farms to supplement their family income and ensure better nutrition for their families.
Fish on their plate, money in their wallet
In underdeveloped Mayurbhanj, Odisha, women sustainably cultivate fish that not only brings them money but ensures better nutrition for their family.
Nutritious meals ensure food security of marginalized during lockdown
Distribution of cooked meals sustain vulnerable tribes, the differently-abled and other needy people who do not have the resources to meet their basic needs
COVID-19 assistance helps villagers find a footing
Odisha Livelihood Mission’s financial support has enabled many vulnerable rural families, especially women entrepreneurs, to recover from the economic shock of the pandemic-induced lockdown
Trained tribal youth educate community about coronavirus
To prevent pandemic alienation of tribes, select local tribal youth were equipped with accurate information, so that they could demystify coronavirus myths among their community