Raipur: Women are becoming self-reliant in herbal products

Income generating activities are being conducted in the Van Dhan Vikas Kendra established by the Forest Department in the state of Chhattisgarh. By joining this institution, there is a positive change in the lives of the people of the forest region. These products have got a new identity in the market due to modern branding and training of experts. In the financial year 2023-24, the women of Van Dhan Vikas Kendra Keshodar sold herbal products worth about Rs 82 lakh 50 thousand, in which the center has got a net income of Rs 15 lakh. This PVTG is continuously working towards providing sustainable livelihood to the women of Van Dhan Vikas Kendra and making them self-reliant.

The PVTG (Women of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups) Van Dhan Vikas Kendra located in Keshodar village of Gariaband district has brought a positive change in the lives of rural women with the help of traditional knowledge and modern technology. All the women are becoming financially prosperous. This center, established under the Pradhan Mantri Janman Yojana, is being run by the Bhuteshwar Nath Herbal and Medicine Self Help Group.

87 PVTG beneficiary women are associated with this center, who are working through 8 self-help groups. Herbal medicines are being produced by the women’s group in these centers. 13 herbal products approved by the AYUSH Directorate (Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani) are being made, which include Mahavipagarbha oil, Bhringraj oil, Tulsi powder, Amalakyadi powder, Navayas powder, Kaunch powder, Shatavari powder, Ashwagandha powder, Creamighna powder, Pradarantak powder, Punarnava powder, Sarvajwarhar powder and Vaishwanar powder. These products are marketed in the market by Chhattisgarh State Minor Forest Produce Federation, due to which they are reaching consumers across the country. All the PVTG women associated with the self-help groups thanked the Chief Minister of the state Shri Vishnu Dev Sai and Forest Minister Shri Kedar Kashyap wholeheartedly and said that PM Janman Yojana has brought economic change in their lives and they are very happy.

Women have been trained by the Forest Department through entrepreneurship awareness programs. This program is organized from time to time by Chhattisgarh State Minor Forest Produce Federation. These trainings not only help women in skill development but also provide them an opportunity to improve the quality of products and understand the market requirements. Chhattisgarh State Minor Forest Produce Federation has provided modern machines and production equipment to women, which also ensures timely production and high quality of products.

In particular, Bhringraj oil is prepared using the traditional oil cooking method, in which medicinal herbs are cooked in sesame oil for seven days. This oil is highly effective for hair care, preventing hair loss and promoting hair growth as well as improving hair quality. Apart from this, Mahavishagarbha oil, which is useful for back and joint pain, is another popular product of the center.

PVTG Van-Dhan Vikas Kendra, Keshodar is not just manufacturing products but preserving and promoting a tradition and knowledge. The active participation of Chhattisgarh State Minor Forest Produce Federation and their marketing strategy has made this success possible. The success of this center has shown how rural communities can be made self-reliant by using traditional knowledge and modern technology in a coordinated manner.