Memories of the Tasar Project
Scouting for locations across states to launch the Tasar Project, motivating farmer families to develop plantations, garnering funds from agencies, training farmers in scientific methods of tasar rearing, and marketing the collective produce were some of the slow and steady steps in the creation of an alternative livelihood for the villagers of Bihar, Jharkhand and Madhya Pradesh.
The younger generation, even in tribal communities living in and around forest patches, was reluctant to pursue tasar rearing as a part-time occupation. I volunteered to work on these objectives.
F ortunately, the Tasar Project was in alignment with all of these. Being a part of the organization and the implementation of the project, and its nodal person, was an enriching experience and journey for me. I learned about the different dimensions that contribute to the success of any project. The dimensions of learning included technical innovations, managerial tactics, understanding the importance of social and inter-personal relations, as well as dealing with the local bureaucracy and politicians.