IndiaOver 230 Irula families in Ariyalur district are benefiting from a cashew harvesting initiative supported by the Tribal Welfare and Forest Departments. The program, which began four years ago, trains Irulas in plantation management and scientific harvesting techniques, allowing them to lease 549.21 hectares of cashew plantations. Financial support of ₹86 lakh under the Tholkudi Livelihood Scheme helped remove barriers like the Earnest Money Deposit (EMD), enabling direct participation in cultivation and marketing. During the 2025-26 season, they harvested 96,400 kg of raw cashew nuts, generating ₹1.37 crore in revenue and a net profit of ₹45.48 lakh. Families earned an average net income of ₹19,800, with additional daily wages of ₹350 during the harvest season. The state plans to expand the initiative with another processing unit.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced account of the government's initiative to improve livelihoods for the Irula community. It highlights both the challenges faced by the tribe and the positive outcomes of the program without overtly praising or criticizing the government's actions. The focus is on the '
