Objective - To explore Wadi (Orchards) as means of livelihood and also improve the socio-economic status of 500 tribal households in Dima Hasao through Integrated Tribal Development Project.)

Dima Hasao is an autonomous tribal hill area in Assam which is one of the country’s 250 most backward districts. Till recently, most tribals in the region practised Shifting agriculture, as main means of livelihood. While being harmful to the environment, it is also not sustainable or profitable for the community.  These tribes have not just been economically weaker but they also have had limited reach to the different aspects of livelihood and skill development. To work for the development of this tribal area, in 2017 Dalmia Bharat Foundation started this project.

• Developed 500 Wadi (Orchards) in 500 acres of land with 500 tribal families.
• Plantation of 77,820 trees of Litchi, Pineapple, Guava and Lemon with 13,000 Drumsticks and 75 Metric Tonnes of Turmeric as Intercrop.
• Promote scientific and sustainable agriculture and curb Shifting/ Jhum Cultivation which leads to deforestation.
• Effective utilization of available land, water and workforce resources of selected tribal families through participatory approach.
• Promoting access to clean energy through distribution of Fuel-efficient Cookstoves and Solar Home-lighting solutions to 500 households.
• 4 villages made open defecation free.
• Eight Health Check-up Camp organized providing free consultation and medicines for the common disease in these camps, benefitting 850 patients
• Participation by women in the development process and their empowerment through 32 SHGs.

• Promoting sustainable agriculture and livelihood
• Reaching out to people in remote tribal areas of the country
• Involving Women in the project design
• Overall development of the community through focus on energy poverty, water conservation, health, education, sanitation, etc

• Empowering communities to take ownership of the project and their livelihoods.