Mahua Transforms Women's Lives, Van Dhan Yojana Brings New Identity of Self-Reliance
New Identity of Self-Reliance Through Van Dhan Yojana
Success Story
Raipur / An initiative of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and TRIFED, launched in 2018. Its main objective is to train tribal communities collecting minor forest produce from forests, add value to their products, and provide sustainable livelihood by making them entrepreneurs. Mahua, found in the forests of Chhattisgarh, has now become a strong source of income and self-reliance for rural and tribal women. Under the state government's Van Dhan Vikas Kendra scheme, women are being trained to make value-added products from Mahua. This is increasing their income and they are moving towards becoming successful entrepreneurs.
Success of Korinbhatha Van Dhan Vikas Kendra in Rajnandgaon District
The women of Korinbhatha Van Dhan Vikas Kendra in Rajnandgaon district have benefited fully from this scheme. Earlier they only collected Mahua, but now after training, they are preparing laddus, cookies, energy bars, squash, and other useful products from Mahua. Due to modern processing and attractive packaging, these products are gaining good market demand.
Training and Skill Development
At the Van Dhan Vikas Kendra, women are not only taught to make products but also provided information on quality, clean production, packaging, labeling, storage, and marketing. This enables them to prepare better products according to market needs and receive fair prices.
Increased Employment Through Value Addition of Mahua
The utility and market value of Mahua have both increased due to its value addition. This has created new employment opportunities at the local level. Women's income has increased, and their families' economic situation has also strengthened. Value addition of Mahua flowers and seeds has multiplied the income of women in rural and tribal areas. Now, instead of just selling raw Mahua, products like laddus, cookies, jams, and energy bars are being made, developing new employment and sustainable livelihood opportunities locally.
Market Availability Through Chhattisgarh Herbals
These products are being made available to a wider market through 'Chhattisgarh Herbals'. This is giving a new identity to forest-based products and providing better opportunities for rural women to sell their products. Chhattisgarh State Minor Forest Produce Federation is a unique initiative. Under this, natural and pure products from forests such as forest honey, aloe vera gel, herbal juices, Mahua products, Ayurvedic powders, and oils are prepared and sold by women's self-help groups. Its main objective is to provide livelihood to tribals and local people.
Step Towards Self-Reliance
This success of the women of Korinbhatha shows that with proper training, modern technology, and marketing support, forest wealth can be made a strong foundation for employment and prosperity. The Van Dhan Vikas Kendra scheme is now giving a new direction to the rural economy by making women self-reliant.