Chenchu Youth Connect Through Shared Wisdom of Tubers and Water

We recently conducted a workshop with Chenchu youth in Amrabad, Telangana, where participants gathered to map the traditional tubers and the water bodies that sustain them. This workshop provided a platform for intergenerational knowledge sharing about tubers that have historically formed the staple diet of the Chenchu community in the Nallamala forests.

In an open circle of exchange, participants traced growth patterns and harvesting practices, mapped seasonal availability, and shared the dietary and medicinal uses of their tubers. They also conveyed stories that carried cultural beliefs and conservation ethics, including how to read the forest, when to harvest, what to leave for regeneration, and the importance of their water sources.

Throughout the discussions, many participants recognised how quickly names, tastes, and techniques have faded from the memories of today's generation. This realisation underscored the urgent need for documentation and revival of Adivasi knowledge practices, which are integral to the community's identity and natural resource regeneration.