Context: The Irula community in Tamil Nadu, known for supplying 80% of India’s anti-snake venom, faces economic and operational challenges despite recent recognition.

About the Irula Community

• Location: Predominantly in the Nilgiris region of Tamil Nadu, with some populations in Karnataka and Kerala.

• Cultural Practices: Emphasis on ancestor worship, they are recognized as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG).

• Ethnic Background: Considered one of the oldest tribal communities in India, belonging to the Negrito race, believed to have migrated from Africa.

• Language: Speak Irula, which is written in Tamil script.

Role in Public Health

• Contribution to Anti-Snake Venom: The community supplies nearly 80% of the venom used for antidotes in India, critical for treating snakebite victims.

• Venom Extraction: Conducted through the Irula Snake Catchers’ Industrial Cooperative Society, operational for 46 years.

Economic Challenges

• Income Levels: Members earn approximately Rs 2,000 to Rs 4,000 per month, often supplemented by seasonal work.

• Traditional Methods: The community uses outdated venom extraction techniques, which are now facing scrutiny from scientific bodies.

• Quality Issues: Recent analyses revealed impurities in the extracted venom, raising concerns about the efficacy of their products.

Hurdles in Venom Extraction

• Shifts in Demand: Increasing demand for region-specific venom and advancements in anti-snake venom production put pressure on traditional methods.

• Regulatory Challenges: The Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act of 2022 prohibits the captivity of snakes, complicating the extraction process.

• Hostility from Authorities: Encounters with forest departments limit their ability to operate effectively and access necessary resources.

Health Implications

• Snakebite Statistics: India reports over 50,000 snakebite deaths annually, predominantly affecting rural farmers and labourers.

• WHO Initiatives: The World Health Organization is funding initiatives to reduce snakebite mortality by 50% by 2030, but the Irula community has yet to benefit from these plans.