Backyard orchards planned in CHT

Sources in the ministry said the decision was taken to create self-employment and preserve the bio-diversity in hills, affected by repeated Jhum cultivation.

The project will encourage hill people to go for orchards and vegetable cultivation in same lands instead of destroying forests every year for Jhum cultivation, a traditional practice with the indigenous people.

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Implementation of the project will begin in the coming financial year, the sources said but could not specify funds for the project.

The project will be implemented in 46 unions in Rangamati, 35 in Khagrachari and 29 unions in Bandarban.

Initially, 25 Jhumia families in each union will he brought under the project, they said.

Agriculture experts say repeated Jhum cultivation causes deforestation and destroy sanctuaries for animals.