Officials of the horticulture department have strongly objected to the forest department’s alleged obstruction of Dasali Pattu (sericulture) cultivation by Adivasi farmers in Kavar Kothapalli village under the Kotapalli Forest Range in Mancherial district.
The horticulture department said it has been promoting sericulture in the Chennur area for several years as a source of livelihood for tribal farmers.
Tension prevailed on Sunday as officials of the Forest and Horticulture departments exchanged arguments over the issue after forest staff allegedly prevented Adivasi farmers from continuing sericulture activities.
According to horticulture department officials, the forest department has been objecting to the rearing of silkworms on Nallamaddi trees located within the Blackbuck Sanctuary. Forest officials reportedly maintain that the silkworms feed on the leaves of the trees, affecting their growth, and have therefore imposed restrictions on the activity.
Horticulture officials, however, opposed the restrictions, arguing that sericulture has long provided a sustainable livelihood to local Adivasi farmers and should be allowed to continue.
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