In Tamil Nadu, tribal groups turning forest weed into fuel – DW – 06/10/2025
In the Sathyamangalam forest in Tamil Nadu, tribal communities are cutting down the invasive species lantana camara and converting it into fuel briquettes.
Lantana camara might look like just another flowering shrub, but in the forestsof India, it's a silent invader. Introduced during colonial times, this aggressive weed has overrun native vegetation and disrupted local ecosystems.
But in Tamil Nadu's Erode district, a green solution is taking root. A social enterprise, TAMS Tribal Green Fuels, is working with Indigenous communities to clear the weed and convert it into biochar briquettes — a sustainable fuel alternative.
Turning invasive forest weeds into jobs
The initiative isn't just tackling an ecological threat — it's creating stable employment. Workers like Manju, a local tribal woman, now earn a steady income by harvesting lantana, a far cry from the sporadic agricultural work they once relied on.
Since 2023, over 500 tonnes of lantana have been collected and processed. Using a combination of mechanical tools and manual techniques, workers cut, shred and transport the weed to a facility where it's turned into high-calorific biochar — ideal for tea factories and industrial boilers. The return of native plant species is showing early signs of environmental recovery, and the cleaner-burning briquettes meet India's eco-regulations.
By converting an invasive species into a renewable resource, this initiative solves multiple problems at once: environmental degradation, unemployment and industrial pollution. With over 300 people already employed, the project is scaling not only in impact but also in vision.
CEO Jollan Siruvadivel emphasizes long-term goals, supporting budding local entrepreneurs and building a more sustainable future. This is a powerful example of how grassroots innovation, environmental restoration and economic empowerment can work together to turn a crisis into a catalyst for change.
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