Van Dhan Vikas Kendra Transforms the Lives of Tribal Women

Haribol Self-Help Group of Donganala Emerges as a Model of Women Empowerment

12 Tribal Women Become Self-Reliant Through Herbal Products

Create a New Success Story with Business Worth Crores

Raipur, May 2026

12 Tribal Women Become Self-Reliant Through Herbal Products

The effective implementation of the Chhattisgarh Government’s ambitious Van Dhan Vikas Kendra (VDVK) Scheme has enabled tribal women of Donganala, under the Katghora Forest Division in Korba district, to set a new example of self-reliance. Today, the Haribol Self-Help Group of Donganala has emerged as an ideal model of women empowerment through herbal enterprises.

Journey from Daily Wage Labour to Successful Entrepreneurship

Under the leadership of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai and in line with the vision of Forest Minister Kedar Kashyap, this group comprising 12 tribal women was earlier dependent on daily wage labour. Due to limited employment opportunities and unstable income, meeting their family needs was a challenge. However, after joining the government’s Van Dhan Vikas Kendra Scheme, a positive transformation took place in their lives.

Training and Technical Support Gave Them a New Identity

Recognising the potential of medicinal plants and minor forest produce available locally, the women were organised into a group. They received specialised training in herbal processing, quality control, packaging, branding and marketing from Ayurveda experts and the Chhattisgarh State Minor Forest Produce (Trading and Development) Cooperative Federation Limited.

Rising Demand for Herbal Products

After receiving training, the group began producing quality herbal products such as Triphala Churna, Ashwagandha Churna, Herbal Face Pack, Herbal Hair Powder and Tooth Powder. Owing to their quality and effectiveness, these products gained strong demand in local as well as institutional markets.

Major Order Received from the AYUSH Department

The group achieved a major breakthrough when it received a large order from the AYUSH Department. This order generated an estimated profit of around Rs 20 lakh, enhancing the group’s credibility and opening doors to new markets.

Profit of Rs 38.90 Lakh Strengthens Financial Position

During the financial year 2024-25, the group earned approximately Rs 38.90 lakh through profits and commissions. This significantly improved the economic condition of the members and their families and led to a notable rise in their standard of living.

Cumulative Sales of Rs 26.11 Crore

From 2020 to March 2026, VDVK Donganala recorded cumulative sales of nearly Rs 26.11 crore. This achievement is the result of the group’s continuous hard work, quality production and effective marketing strategies.

Annual Income of Each Member Reaches Rs 1.7 Lakh

Through this initiative, the annual income of each group member has increased to approximately Rs 1.7 lakh. Along with financial independence, the women have also gained greater self-confidence, leadership abilities and decision-making power.

Recognition at the National Level

For its outstanding work in herbal processing and women empowerment, the group has been honoured by TRIFED and the Government of Chhattisgarh.

Inspiration for Other Groups

The success of the Haribol Self-Help Group demonstrates that tribal women can be made self-reliant through government schemes, skill development, institutional support and market access. The achievement of Donganala has now become a source of inspiration for self-help groups across the state and the country.