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News Excerpt:

Andhra’s Koya tribe faces brewing conflict over sacred Mahua flower.

More about the news: 

• The Koya tribe in Godavari valley faces a cultural crisis as raids by the Special Enforcement Bureau threaten their cherished tradition of Mahua liquor consumption.
• Scores of Koya women are increasingly abandoning their ancestral practice of collecting and brewing Mahua flowers, fearing the repercussions of enforcement actions.

About Mahua:

• Mahua is a tropical tree known by its scientific name Madhuca longifolia.
• It belongs to the family of sapotaceae.
• It finds origin in different regions of India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Nepal, The Philippines, Pakistan, and Australia.
• Mahua is a frost resistant species that can grow in marginal areas of dry tropical and subtropical forests up to an altitude of 1200-1800 m, in India.
• It is known for its sweet flowers which possess a lot of ethnic values among the tribal people for the development of various fermented and non-fermented food products.
• It holds great significance in the lives of various tribal communities in India.

Benefits of mahua:

• According to WHO (2003) approximately 65% of the world’s population integrate the medicinal plant for treatment. 
• Mahua is one of the naturally occurring plants which possess numerous health benefits.
• Tribal people use mahua flowers for curing of skin diseases, headache, pitta and bronchitis.
• Flower juice is supplemented to lactating women for augmentation of breast milk.

About Koya tribe:

• The Koyas are an ancient tribe who in the long past were identified as a warrior tribe.
• They call themselves Koya or Koitor meaning 'people'.
• The Koyas are a branch of the Gondi-speaking people. 
• Their mother tongue comes under the Dravidian group of languages.
• They inhabit the hills and forests north of Godavari District of Andhra Pradesh and Malkangiri district of Odisha.
• According to the 2011 census, the total population of the Koya tribe in Odisha is 1.5 lakhs . 

Importance of mahua in Koya tribe:

• In Koya society, the mahua tree is considered sacred and forms part of several rites and rituals. Its flowers bloom in early summer and are primarily used for brewing liquor. 
• In the Godavari Valley of Andhra Pradesh, the Koyas extract edible oil from Mahua nuts.
• Dry flowers serve as a major source of income for the collectors, often exchanged for essential goods at the shandies set up in the border villages of Odisha, Telangana, and Chhattisgarh.
• The Koyas are left with no alternative income source if they give up collection of Mahua flowers.

Challenges:

1. Cultural Identity vs. Legal Frameworks: Balancing the preservation of Koya cultural practices, such as Mahua liquor brewing, with compliance with existing legal regulations presents a significant challenge. The clash between deeply ingrained traditions and modern legal frameworks creates tension within the community, requiring careful navigation to maintain cultural identity while avoiding legal repercussions.

• The Andhra Pradesh Prohibition Act of 1995 did not provide an exemption for the Koya tribe to brew and store Mahua liquor. The Panchayat (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act of 1996 grants authority to the gram sabha to safeguard the traditions, beliefs, and culture of the tribes. Nevertheless, the enforcement of the PESA Act is being challenged as the SEB (circle inspector) allegedly disregarded this law and the rights it offers to the tribes in the Chintoor Agency.

2. Economic Dependence on Mahua: The reliance of many Koya households on Mahua flower collection as a primary source of income adds complexity to resistance efforts. Fear of police raids and confiscation of Mahua liquor disrupts this economic activity, leaving families without an alternative means of sustenance. Finding viable economic alternatives that don't compromise cultural practices becomes imperative.

3. Social Stigma and Isolation: Individuals and families targeted by law enforcement raids on Mahua liquor brewing often face social stigma and isolation within their own communities. This stigma can ostracize those who continue the tradition, further weakening resistance efforts and eroding community cohesion. Overcoming this stigma and building solidarity among tribe members is crucial for effective resistance.

Way forward: 

• Legal Reform and Advocacy: Lobbying for amendments to existing laws, such as the Andhra Pradesh Prohibition Act, to exempt Mahua liquor brewing for cultural and ceremonial purposes is essential. Legal advocacy groups and tribal representatives can work together to raise awareness about the cultural significance of Mahua and push for legal reforms that respect indigenous rights.
• Community Empowerment and Education: Empowering Koya communities with knowledge about their legal rights and cultural heritage is vital. Community-led workshops and educational programs can inform tribe members about their rights under legislation like the Panchayat (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act. This empowerment can strengthen their resolve to resist unjust enforcement actions and build solidarity within the community.
• Economic Diversification and Support: Developing alternative sources of income for Koya households beyond Mahua flower collection is crucial for reducing dependence on brewing activities. Government and non-governmental organizations can provide support for skills training, entrepreneurship initiatives, and access to markets for traditional Koya products. This diversification can enhance economic resilience while preserving cultural practices.