Collection to Commercialisation: The Broomstick Enterprise of the Savara Tribe

Abstract

Micro enterprise activities based on agriculture and forest produce in hilly terrains are the major source of livelihoods for the Indian tribal population. The article presents the problems and challenges faced by the Savaras in broom grass-based micro enterprises in the Srikakulam District of Andhra Pradesh. The Savaras are traditional broom grass collectors, a primary source of their livelihood. Over a period of time they have learned to cultivate broom grass in their podu1 lands. The collection and cultivation of broom grass has been observed as an important transition in the livelihoods of the Savaras.