The Struggles of Tribal Agriculture: Challenges and the Path to Sustainable Solutions

Abstract: Tribal agriculture in the Nagarkurnool district of Telangana, particularly within the ITDA Mannanur region, is experiencing significant stress due to a mix of ecological, socio-economic, and infrastructural challenges. Predominantly inhabited by the Chenchus, a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG), includes over 150 villages across five Mandals: Amrabad, Achampet, Lingala, Padara, and Balmoor. Despite these communities' cultural resilience and adaptive farming knowledge, their agricultural practices are marginalized by systemic constraints that undermine both productivity and sustainability. The agrarian base in the district faces severe limitations from land use patterns and soil composition. Of the district’s extensive geographical area, only about 61% of the land is cultivable, with the remainder either under forest cover or classified as non-agricultural land. The dominant red sandy soils, which make up more than 60% of the region, have poor water retention capacity, rendering them unsuitable for water-intensive crops. As a result, tribal farmers have shifted towards cultivating drought-resistant crops such as cotton, red gram, maize, and groundnut. However, even these crops are highly susceptible to erratic rainfall patterns, delayed monsoons, and prolonged dry spells.

The analysis of village-level data reveals significant irrigation deficits, with more than 80% of the cultivated areas relying on rain-fed systems. Villages like Sarlapalli and Appapur report that only 10–13% of agricultural land has access to irrigation. These limitations directly impact crop yield and stability. For instance, cotton yields vary between 420–490 kg/acre, with higher yields observed in areas like Bommanapalli that have better irrigation access. Moreover, the dependency on a single crop, such as cotton, cultivated in over 60% of the area in most villages, reflects both market-driven choices and ecological constraints, raising concerns about crop diversity and long-term soil health. Socio-economic vulnerabilities further aggravate the situation. Household incomes from farming remain low, ranging from ₹68,000 to ₹82,000 annually, while access to formal credit is limited. Debt levels remain significant, with up to 32% of households reporting indebtedness. Although government schemes like FRA, Rythu Bandhu, and PM-KISAN provide some support, their reach is partial and inconsistent across villages.

Climate change has further exacerbated agricultural instability. Average rainfall in the region hovers between 740 and 850 mm, yet dependency on monsoons exceeds 85% in many villages. Frequent droughts and rainfall anomalies have led to significant yield reductions, with 60–72% of farmers across various villages reporting crop losses. This study argues for a multi-pronged approach to achieving sustainable tribal agriculture: enhancing irrigation infrastructure, promoting soil health through crop diversification and organic practices, expanding the reach of institutional credit and insurance, and aligning government schemes more effectively with ground-level realities. Empowering tribal communities through localized agri-extension services, climate-resilient practices, and secure land rights can offer a sustainable pathway forward. In doing so, tribal agriculture can transform from a vulnerable subsistence activity into a resilient livelihood system that honours traditional knowledge while embracing adaptive modernity.