In Tamil Nadu, tribal groups turning forest weed into fuel – DW – 06/10/2025
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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