Guwahati, Feb 25: As part of its ongoing effort to strengthen climate-resilient livelihoods in fringe areas of Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary in Assam, king chilli (bhoot jolokia) saplings were distributed by biodiversity conservation organisation Aaranyak to women’s groups from Raja Mayang under Aaranyak’s pilot initiative of Climate Resilience Agriculture Practices Around Pobitora WLS.
This practice has been promoted with technical support of Sanjog based at Nalbari district of Assam.
The training programme was designed to equip women farmers with practical knowledge and skills to adapt to increasing climate variability, which has begun to disrupt traditional agricultural cycles.
Participants were introduced to alternative cropping strategies that are environmentally sustainable, economically viable, and better suited to changing climatic conditions.
King chilli, known for its high demand and adaptability, was identified as a strategic crop to enhance household incomes while promoting sustainable land-use practices.
The distribution of saplings marks a significant step toward diversifying agricultural production, reducing dependence on single-season crops, and strengthening long-term resilience to climate-related risks.
Additionally, cultivation of king chilli is expected to help reduce incidents of crop depredation by wild animals, thereby minimising time, labour and economic losses for farming households.
The initiative places strong emphasis on empowering women as key agents of climate adaptation and community resilience. By combining targeted capacity-building with direct input support, the programme aims to create sustainable livelihood opportunities while encouraging conservation-compatible practices in the landscape surrounding Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary.
One of the beneficiaries of the initiative Manju Devi has acknowledged Aaranyak support and expected positive outcome in relation with rhino conservation in Pobitora Landscape.
This effort represents an integrated approach to climate resilience-linked livelihood security, gender empowerment, and biodiversity conservation in one of Assam’s ecologically significant regions.
