🌳 Agroforestry Models for Small Farmers in Eastern India: A Path Toward Resilient and Profitable Farming Agriculture in Eastern India has always been deeply tied to the rhythm of nature — the monsoon rains , the rich soils of the plains, and the undulating plateau lands. Yet, with erratic rainfall, shrinking landholdings, and soil degradation, small farmers today face more uncertainty than ever before. One approach that offers both sustainability and steady income is agroforestry — the age-old art of growing trees and crops (and sometimes livestock) together. It’s not a new idea, but it’s gaining new importance as farmers look for ways to make their land more productive and climate-resilient. 🌦 Understanding the Region: Why Geography Matters Eastern India includes diverse landscapes — from the Gangetic plains of Bihar and West Bengal to the Chotanagpur plateau of Jharkhand and the coastal belts of Odisha. Each of these zones has its own challenges and opportunities:...
TRADITION IN TRANSITION: The Birhor Cultural Landscape Abstract This paper presents findings from a two-day ethnographic field visit (May 16–17, 2025) to the Birhor settlements in Kalapatthar and Budhuchak villages, near Giridih district, Jharkhand. The Birhor, a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG), are undergoing rapid cultural and socioeconomic transitions. Our direct observations, interviews, and informal surveys reveal a community struggling between preserving traditional knowledge—like rope-making and forest-based subsistence—and navigating state-led welfare programs. While some government interventions (housing, LPG distribution, health camps) have reached the ar...