Central Processing Unit Jamgaon M: Giving New Strength to the Rural Economy and Employment

Raipur : The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is creating new income and employment opportunities for rural communities—especially women—by promoting the collection, processing, and value addition of minor forest produce and medicinal plants, thereby strengthening the rural economy. The Central Processing Unit established at Jamgaon M in Patan development block of Durg district is playing a significant role in enhancing rural employment, forest produce processing, and the local economy.

Marketed under the ‘Chhattisgarh Herbal Brand’

The unit has been developed over an area of approximately 111 acres. Through the Government of Chhattisgarh and the State Minor Forest Produce (Trading and Development) Cooperative Federation Limited, forest produce and medicinal plants are procured, collected, and processed from villagers living in forest areas. The herbal products prepared here are available in the market under the ‘Chhattisgarh Herbal Brand’ and are used for health benefits.

Employment Opportunities for Local People

At Processing Unit No. 01, employment opportunities have been generated at the local level. Pure herbal products such as juice, candy, slices (lachha), murabba, sharbat, pulp, and RTS beverages are prepared from amla, bael, and jamun. These products are sold through NWFP Marts and Sanjeevani Stores. In just one year, the unit has manufactured and sold products worth approximately Rs 44 lakh, making a significant contribution to increasing local incomes.

Central Warehouse with 20,000 Metric Tonne Capacity

Processing Unit No. 02 includes four large warehouses with a total storage capacity of 20,000 metric tonnes. Forest produce received from various districts of the state is safely stored here. Currently, produce such as kodo, kutki, ragi, harra kachariya, chirayata, kalmegh, palash flowers, and sal seeds has been collected. These products are sold by the Federation headquarters in Raipur through a tender process. The operation of both units has so far generated more than 5,200 man-days of employment.

Herbal Extraction Unit Established on PPP Model

A Herbal Extraction Unit has been established at Jamgaon M under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. This unit is a joint initiative of the Chhattisgarh State Minor Forest Produce Federation and Sphere Biotech Company and was inaugurated in 2025 by Chief Minister Mr Vishnu Deo Sai and Forest Minister Mr Kedar Kashyap. Built over an area of about 6 acres, the unit extracts essences from medicinal plants such as giloy, kalmegh, baheda, safed musli, wild turmeric, gudmar, ashwagandha, and shatavari. These extracts are used in the production of Ayurvedic medicines and wellness products.

Sustainable Benefits for Villagers and Collectors

Through the herbal extraction unit, complete procurement of forest produce and medicinal plants from rural collectors is ensured, providing them with fair prices and regular income. This has improved the economic condition of people living in forest areas and created new employment opportunities. The Central Processing Unit, warehouse, and herbal extraction unit at Jamgaon M are emerging as strong sources of livelihood for villagers and collectors, while also enhancing the value of forest produce.