How tribal women in Gujarat's Kalibel are nurturing forests, children

Ahmedabad: In the remote village of Kalibel in Dang district, a powerful transformation is underway. A small group of tribal women, many of them widows, are emerging as custodians of the forest and breadwinners for their families.They run a thriving plant nursery cultivating native species like bamboo and teak. These plants boost the environment, acquire commercial value over time, and support local wildlife, enriching the ecosystem.Due to financial constraints, the women could not finish school but found a way to work while staying in their native villages.“These women expressed a strong desire to support their families and educate their children,” says Anjana Palva, range forest officer. “That’s when we started the nursery project focused on vital native species.” Sumitra Patel, widowed three years ago, says, “Now I am confident my children can pursue higher education.My income sustains us today and builds savings for tomorrow.”Once reliant on sporadic farm labour, the women now earn Rs 10,000 monthly through the nursery, which is now part of the govt’s Lakhpati Didi scheme. “Most of these women have lost their husbands to illnesses. Earlier, they relied entirely on irregular daily wage work to support their families,” says Dinesh Rabari, deputy conservator of forest, Dang North. “After receiving specialised training from our forest department team, they now earn sufficient income to provide for the wellbeing of their families.”Once the saplings are ready, they are planted in the forest areas. The larger focus is on bamboo, and the nursery is starting to prepare saplings of other native species. “I have mastered everything from soil prep to nursery operations,” says Savita Pawar. “This work brings stability and dignity.” “Earlier, I struggled as a daily wager. Now, I have skills, training, and a steady salary,” adds Baiju Valvi, who lost her husband six years ago.