INDIAN GDP 2020

 

The National Statistical Office (NSO) has put out the figures Q1FY21. The Q1FY21 GDP is at -23.9%

National Statistical Office (NSO) has put out the figures Q1FY21. The Q1FY21 GDP is  at -23.9%. This data reveals this worst contraction on record.

The “Real GDP growth at (-)23.9% in 1QFY21 was much lower than what markets were expecting. The print indicates that the trough in the economy was much lower than expected and the pickup will likely be more elongated. Production side was pulled down by deep contraction in manufacturing, construction, and trade, hotel, transport sectors while the expenditure side was clearly pushed lower by heavy contraction both in consumption and investment. Going forward, given the gradual improvement in activity indicators (remaining well below pre-Covid levels) the growth recovery will be gradual and contracting for all quarters in FY2021. Further, growth recovery will also be hinged to the curb of the Covid spread and removal of even localized lockdowns. The choice for the government will be on whether the consumption or the investment side needs to be pushed. Given the limited fiscal space and the need to stimulate a more durable growth, the growth recovery will be gradual and is likely to continue into 1HFY22.”

    “The growth rate for April to June quarter was expected to be bad but it turned out worse, a degrowth by 23.9% is worse than the most bearish estimate. Positive agricultural output is the only positive element in the GDP print. As the April-June quarter saw the maximum period of the national lockdown the degrowth was severe, going forward as the government re-opens the economy in phases, government spending, and festive season spending is expected to help the growth rate to be in the positive territory going forward. While the RBI has done its part to help boost consumption and economy, a further rate cut may help boost credit offtake. The government may still have some more fire-power with further stimulus measures for specific sectors. Good monsoon, high agri output will help with a pickup in rural consumption. Government spending, reforms, and more measures to boost consumption is required to bring back growth on track..

    

Organic Turmeric Powder

       Kandhamal is the major turmeric growing district of the state. It is the main cash crop for their economic development. Kandhamal Turmeric is an important product and now become popular in the organic food market of Europe and North America. The local variety grown from time immemorial is having 2-3 percent curcumin, 12-15 per cent of oleoresin and 5.3 per cent of volatile oil.

     Turmeric is a flowering plant, Curcuma longa of the ginger family, Zingiberaceae, the roots of which are used in cooking.The plant is a perennial, rhizomatous, herbaceous plant native to the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia, that requires temperatures between 20 and 30 °C (68 and 86 °F) and a considerable amount of annual rainfall to thrive. Plants are gathered each year for their rhizomes, some for propagation in the following season and some for consumption.

        Turmeric powder has a warm, bitter, black pepper-like flavor and earthy, mustard-like aroma.Although long used in Ayurvedic medicine, where it is also known as haridra, there is no high-quality clinical evidence for using turmeric or its constituent, curcumin, to treat any disease, according to the US Food and Drug Administration

        Turmeric powder is about 60–70% carbohydrates, 6–13% water, 6–8% protein, 5–10% fat, 3–7% dietary minerals, 3–7% essential oils, 2–7% dietary fiber, and 1–6% curcuminoids.

Some Photos of ORGANIC Turmeric and powder

Kutia Kondha in Belghar

KUTIA KONDHA 

         Kutia Kondha is one of the primitive sections of Kondha tribe. The Kondha’s who live in hill top and valleys are known as Kutia Kondha. Whereas those who live in high land and near the streams are called Kutia and Dangaria kondhas who are residing in plain area are known as Desia kondh. In Belghar maximum Kutia Kondha are residing on the top of the hill of the Kandhamal District.

 

        Kutia kondh are mostly dependent on shifting cultivation, cultivation of minor agriculture products and collection of NTFP. The Kutia kondhs are residing mostly in Langigarh,Th.rampur,M.Rampur and Bhawanipatna block of Kalahandi in Odisha . Among them some Kutia kondhas are residing in Kandhamal Districts Belghar Gram Panchayat under Tumudibandha Block. The Kutia Kondh settlement is having two rows of houses, across a rectangular space facing each other. All the Kutia kondh houses of a village maintain single roof, although each house having partition wall, and the varandha run from one end to other. The economic life of Kutia kondh is dependent on forest. They practice shifting cultivation, cultivating varities of crop and during lean period collecting food stuffs from the forest. Minor forest products also fetch them cash income. The social organization is very strong and unified. The family is mostly nuclear and patriarchal in character. Social unity and co-opration is remarkable. Women play a bigger role in the family economy. They are mostly nature worshipper. Jani is the fulltime magico religious specialist of the village. In the pre-independence era they were practicing human sacrifice but now a day as substitute buffalo and sheep sacrifice. The practice of youth dormitory are though gradually losing its importance but still prevalent among Kutia kondh villages.  Dhap, Salap baja are the important musical instruments of Kutia Kondhs.

        The kutia kondhs are in transition in the recent decade with the intervention of Government. There is gradual development and transformation in the field of social life, education, infrastructural development etc.

        As the whole of Belghar gram panchayat is a hilly forested area, there is not enough plain land where the Kutia Kondh tribal people can farm. They have been using the hilly land since generations to grow crops for subsistence.

        

        Belghar is the only gram panchayat in Kandhamal district to have Kutia Kondh, which is an agrarian tribal community. They use low hill slopes for agriculture and depend on the forest for their livelihood. “Anything hampering their land or forest would threaten their livelihood and survival,”the special officer at Kutia Kondh Development Agency, Belghar, emphasised.

         Forest is a part of Kutia Kondhs. “We worship the plants used for making plough and other agricultural tools. The siali leaves that grow in forest are used in every ritual on which we offer rice and other food items to our gods. Amla or Indian gooseberry is a medicinal plant and it supports our livelihood because of its commercial value.

        Kandhamal district has a history of community forest conservation. As per a forestry policy and institutions working paper of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations, the communities of Kandhamal joined conservation activities with the realisation that they have to assume responsibility to protect their forests to avoid threats to food supply and livelihood opportunities.

Some Photos of Kutia Kondha of Belghar GP

Belghar wooden Bungalow

        Kandhamal is a nature lovers paradise. With the majestic Eastern Ghat’s, winding ghat roads- the surreal natural beauty, the vibrant tribal culture & cool temperatures reveals an unknown facet of Odisha’s natural beauty & makes it an ideal round the year holiday destination.

        Located 114 KM from Daringbadi – its more famous cousin at an altitude of 2555 feet above sea level, Belghar is a quaint tribal hinterland nestled in the hills of Eastern Ghats. The beautiful winding roads through the hills, scenic view and pleasant weather makes it a hotspot for nature lovers. The natural beauty is accentuated by the presence of the tribes whose vibrant culture adds colour to the landscape. The numerous streams, rivers, nullas, waterfalls & ofcourse wild animals adds to its pristine beauty.

        Belghar is home to the tribe “Kondha” & the special category tribes called “Kutia Kondha”, they have been residing in this beautiful landscape for centuries and are essentially forest dwellers. The tribes are very welcoming of tourists, however don’t try to tease them or make fun of them.

        Belghar Nature Camp is approximately 291 KM from Bhubaneswar i.e around 7 hrs . The Drive is a pleasant one and includes 180 KM of ghats roads. While the roads are beautiful and scenery is awesome, we advise you to drive carefully.

The entire Kandhamal district is predominantly forest area and land of the tribal people. While they are friendly to outsiders, don’t tease or make fun of them.

The nearest petrol pump to Belghar is Tumidibandha, you will find ATM there too.

The Belghar Nature Camp is run by the local community, while the food is good and hygienic don’t come with fancy expectations. Remember you are in a forest area.

The nearest town is Ambadula which is 27 KM from Belghar.

Don’t venture out of the nature camp at night.

The Belghar Nature Camp run by the local community under the aegis of the Forest department is your only option.

The Swiss tents are spacious with attached toilet and clean.

        Make a trip to the Kutia Kondho village with the Forest Officer. The ride through the undulating forest roads and the river is a fascinating experience. The Kutia Kondha’s village is a row of neatly done mud houses with a single entry point facing each other and a common open space. They welcome guests by serving the traditional drink called Tadi for people who don’t want to partake in the welcome drink- they serve you water. A guest is expected to atleast take a sip of either, declining both is deemed as an offence.

Best Picture of The Belghar Wooden Bungalow