The BBC has an inspiring article on an alternative method to combatting gendercide in India: fruit trees.
Reporter Amaranth Tewary travels to Dharhara village in the state of Bihar, a place that sets a new precedent for areas that practice female infanticides. For every daughter born, families plant a minimum of 10 mango and lychee trees.
This commercially viable initiative sustains the family on a day-to-day basis, whilst covering the cost of their daughters’ dowry. Thus, this practice achieves two goals: It meets the challenges associated with female foeticide as well as global warming.
The Economist also has an in-depth report on the issue of infanticide (subscription needed).
One can only hope that such a custom is recognized for its significance and is emulated in every other region affected by female infanticide norms.