Gadchiroli Aug. 3 (District Correspondent) ‘Amhi Amchya Arogyasathi (AAA), a voluntary organization had organized the taluka level forest vegetables (Ranbhaji) festival at Kurkheda recently with the help of Integrated Tribal Development Project, Shabari Tribal Development Corporation, Gadchiroli, Shivkrupa Van Dhan Vikas Kendra Neharpayli-Chichewada.
The festival was inaugurated at the hands of Dr. Satish Gogulwar, Convenor of AAA. Mr. Praveen Kalbandhe, Project Coordinator – Shabari Tribal Development Corporation, Ms. Shubhada Deshmukh of AAA, Changdev Faye, social worker, Mr. Rane, Taluka Manager, MSRLM, Ganesh Hulge, were prominently present.
Mr. Praveen Kalbandhe explained the objective of the Forest Vegetable Festival and the importance of forest vegetables in the tribal lifestyle. He appealed to preserve the chain of these vegetables of various varieties.
Dr. Satish Gogulwar said in his speech that in forest-covered districts like Gadchiroli, forest vegetables that grow naturally in the forest, are an important part of the traditional diet. These vegetables grow completely naturally without any chemical fertilizers or pesticides. They are rich in nutrients like vitamins, minerals, fibres and iron. Wild vegetables are useful for increasing haemoglobin, increasing immunity, and improving digestion, he added.
Some forest vegetables are becoming extinct, such as mushrooms, bahava flowers etc hence it is necessary to preserve this tradition through awareness, training and festivals. The forest vegetable festivals, market fairs, cooking competitions, seed collection activities can provide information about wild vegetables to the new generation, said Dr. Gogulwar.
A district like Gadchiroli is a deposit of natural wealth and forest vegetables are its invaluable treasures. Preserving and promoting this tradition can greatly contribute to improving the nutrition and health of the entire society, he stated.
The program was conducted by Pratima Nandeshwar while the vote of thanks was given by Manoj Chavan. A large number of villagers attended the festival.
