India, Oct. 28 -- In a landmark initiative under the Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) framework for promoting the sustainable use of India's biological resources, the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) has released Rs 55 lakh to 18 farmers/ cultivators of Red Sanders (Pterocarpus santalinus) in Tamil Nadu through the State Biodiversity Board. These farmers belong to 8 villages namely Kannabhiran nagar, Kothur, Vembedu, Siruniyum, Goonipalayam, Ammambakkam, Alikuzhi, Thimmaboopola puram under Tiruvallur District.
This first-of-its-kind benefit sharing initiative to farmers/ cultivators marks a historic step towards inclusive biodiversity conservation. It builds upon the NBA's earlier release of ABS share of ?48.00 crores to the Andhra Pr...