GS1Indian & World Geography·21 Jun 2026·3 min read

Indian Agriculture — Latest Development

Recent development on Indian Agriculture. Review source articles.

•The Niyamgiri Hills, located in the state of Odisha, are home to the Dongria Kondh tribe, one of India's Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).
•The hills are not only a source of livelihood for the tribe but also a part of their cultural identity.
•The women of the tribe are easily recognizable, with their colorful beads, metal earrings, and traditional daggers secured in their hair buns.

The Niyamgiri Hills, located in the state of Odisha, are home to the Dongria Kondh tribe, one of India's Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs). The hills are not only a source of livelihood for the tribe but also a part of their cultural identity. The women of the tribe are easily recognizable, with their colorful beads, metal earrings, and traditional daggers secured in their hair buns. The tribe's distinctive practice of wearing daggers serves both practical and protective purposes in their daily lives amidst the rugged hill terrain.

The Significance of the Niyamgiri Hills

The Niyamgiri Hills are a vital part of the ecosystem, with dense forests and undulating ridges that provide a habitat for various flora and fauna. The hills are also a source of natural resources, including wild mangoes, native tur dal, ragi, and black gram. The tribe relies heavily on the forest produce and cultivated patches for their livelihood. The Forest Rights Act 2006 recognizes the rights of forest-dwelling communities, including the Dongria Kondh, to manage and protect their forests.

▸The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act 2006 aims to correct the "historic injustice done to forest-dwelling communities".
▸The Act recognizes the rights of forest-dwelling communities to manage and protect their forests.
▸The National Tribal Policy aims to promote the socio-economic development of tribal communities.
▸The Panchayat (Extension to the Scheduled Areas) Act 1996 extends the provisions of the 73rd Amendment Act to scheduled areas.

The Impact of Development on the Niyamgiri Hills

The Niyamgiri Hills have been at the center of controversy due to the proposed mining projects in the area. The Environment (Protection) Act 1986 regulates the environmental impact of development projects, including mining. However, the implementation of the Act has been a challenge, and the tribe has been fighting to protect their land and livelihood. The National Green Tribunal Act 2010 provides a platform for communities to raise environmental concerns and seek justice.

Did You Know? The Niyamgiri Hills are home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including several endangered species. The hills are also a vital part of the ecosystem, providing ecosystem services such as water filtration and soil conservation.

The Way Forward

The Niyamgiri Hills are a testament to the rich cultural heritage and biodiversity of India. The Biological Diversity Act 2002 aims to conserve and sustainably use biological diversity. The Act also recognizes the rights of local communities to manage and protect their biological resources. The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples recognizes the rights of indigenous peoples to their lands, territories, and resources.

▸The Ministry of Tribal Affairs is responsible for promoting the socio-economic development of tribal communities.
▸The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes is a constitutional body that oversees the implementation of policies and programs for scheduled tribes.
▸The Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India Limited is a national-level federation that promotes the marketing and development of tribal products.