In a significant step towards social reintegration, the Chhattisgarh government recently facilitated a special one-day educational tour for 134 rehabilitated youths in Dantewada district. The initiative, focused on organic farming and tourism, is designed to provide these individuals with practical knowledge and viable livelihood opportunities, steering them away from past influences and into the economic mainstream.
From Ideology to Sustainable Livelihoods
The exposure visit was organised by the District Project Livelihood College Society in Dantewada. The participants, who officials stated had previously been influenced by Maoist ideology, are now being actively guided towards constructive and sustainable careers. This proactive move came following a direct request from the beneficiaries themselves, who sought practical exposure to the agriculture and tourism sectors from the district administration.
Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Vijay Sharma played a key role in facilitating this tour, ensuring the youths gained hands-on experience. The program's core objective was to open their eyes to new possibilities for income generation and self-sufficiency within the legal and social framework of their communities.
Hands-On Learning in Organic Farming and Tourism
During the informative tour, agriculture department officials and coordinators from the Bhoomgadi Organic Cluster provided detailed briefings on modern organic farming techniques. With trainers from the Livelihood College also present, the group delved into methods for increasing crop yield at low cost, completely avoiding chemical fertilisers.
The learning modules covered crucial aspects like:
- Natural resource conservation practices.
- Effective marketing strategies for organic produce.
- Techniques to maintain soil health and biodiversity.
Subsequently, the group visited key tourism sites across the district to understand the potential for employment generation through local tourism. Officials highlighted diverse opportunities, including setting up home-stays, offering guide services, creating handicrafts, and selling local products to visitors.
Aspiring for Advanced Training and Future Assurance
Inspired by the one-day visit, the rehabilitated youths have already requested the next step. They have asked the Livelihood College administration to organise a special two-to-three-day residential agricultural training programme. They believe such intensive training would empower them to adopt advanced organic farming practices in their own villages and establish truly sustainable livelihoods.
Responding positively to their enthusiasm, the district administration has assured further strengthening of skill development and self-employment programmes in the future. This initiative marks a concrete effort in Chhattisgarh's broader strategy to combat extremism through economic empowerment and social inclusion, offering a new beginning through organic farming and tourism.
