Farmers enjoy Forest Benefits in Thottiyapatty-,SEVAI intervention 🌿

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Farmers Enjoy Forest Benefits in Thottiyapatty

In the quiet village of Thottiyapatty, life revolves around the rhythm of nature. Here, farmers don't just depend on their fields—they depend on the forests that cradle their community. These forests are more than trees; they're lifelines.

SEVAI has long promoted an *Afforestation program*, clubbed with Miyawaki forest and fruit tree agroforestry, in Thottiyapatty, Thogamalai Block. This forestry initiative, sustained over many years, now benefits the entire village. During a recent visit, village leader *Chinna Kalai* and his family described the forest as _"an oasis in this dryland region."_ They expressed heartfelt thanks to *Mrs. Benjamine Oberoi of OFI* for her continued support, which, in partnership with SEVAI, has advanced Thottiyapatty's development for over a decade.

Every monsoon, the forest acts like a giant sponge, capturing rainwater and slowly releasing it into streams and wells. This natural water system ensures that farmers have _sustainable water sources_ for irrigation, even during dry months. Leaf litter and organic matter from the forest floor enrich the soil, making it naturally fertile and reducing the need for chemical fertilizers.

When cattle and goats wander, it's the forest grasses and leaves that provide _fodder for livestock_. For families, the forest offers _non-timber products_—honey, wild fruits, medicinal herbs, and firewood—adding nutrition, health, and income to daily life. Beyond these direct benefits, the forest shields the village from climate extremes, cools the air, acts as a windbreak, and supports biodiversity, including pollinators and natural pest controllers that help crops thrive.

By protecting and nurturing these forests, the people of Thottiyapatty aren't just preserving trees—they're securing _food, water, climate resilience, and harmony between farming and nature_ for generations to come.🌿Govin