Horticultural University and ITDA-Chintur have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to promote palm-jaggery and Neera-based livelihoods and increase the incomes of tribal communities. The three-year collaboration aims to promote scientific palm-based enterprises, strengthen tribal livelihoods and create opportunities for women to become entrepreneurs through sustainable use of natural resources. ITDA-Chintur would identify and mobilise eligible tribal beneficiaries and self-help groups, facilitate implementation and coordinate with government departments, he said. He said the agency area had abundant palm resources and offered significant potential for sustainable livelihoods through scientific tapping, hygienic Neera collection, palm-jaggery production and value addition. The initiative is expected to serve as a model for value-added tribal livelihoods while contributing to the goals of Viksit Bharat and Atmanirbhar Bharat.