The Chhattisgarh State Minor Forest Produce Co-operative Federation was honoured with the prestigious Prithvi Awards 2023 in the government category for their outstanding contributions in the field of ESG (environmental, social and governance) on a global scale.

The award ceremony was graced by Arjun Meghwal, Union Minister of Law and Justice. Additionally, two self-help groups from Chhattisgarh received recognition in the NGO volunteer category for their commendable efforts in promoting rural development and economic empowerment within the state. The Jai Budha Dev SHG from Junwani village in Kawardha district and the Varsha SHG from Asna village in Bastar district were felicitated for their remarkable work.

The ESG Research Foundation's Prithvi Awards, presented during the ESG Global Conference in New Delhi on July 14th and 15th, have emerged as a noteworthy endeavour to promote ESG compliance in India. The federation has actively strived for self-sufficiency in tribal rural areas by utilising forest produce in employment-oriented initiatives.

Over 100 forest products are recognised under the brand name of Chhattisgarh Herbals, a trusted brand in Chhattisgarh. Furthermore, the various Van-Dhan Kendra ensure the delivery of organically pure products sourced from Chhattisgarh's forests directly to the people. The local administration has collaborated with the rural women to establish a forest-produce-centric model of economic development, contributing to their empowerment.

Tamarind a means of economic empowerment for women in Bastar

Through tireless efforts, the Varsha SHG from the small village of Asna in Bastar has made a significant impact on the local economy, moving steadily towards empowerment. Operating under the Van Dhan scheme, this unit comprises 104 members, including 10 women's SHGs. Their primary activity, tamarind processing, has generated an income of over Rs 23 lakh for the local people.

The activities of Varsha SHG have benefited more than 3000 forest dwellers in the area. With the purchase of 4,500 quintals of tamarind from the local community, the economy of the region has been bolstered by Rs 1.54 crore, leading to an uplift in the financial and social status of the local people.

Jai Budha Dev SHG gives new identity to coarse grains with 'Shree Anna’

The Jai Budha Dev SHG, consisting of 244 members across 10 groups, focuses on the production and primary processing of coarse grains, specifically ‘Shree Anna’. In the previous year, the group successfully procured and processed approximately 8187 quintals of coarse grains at a rate of Rs 30 to 33 per kg. This endeavour resulted in a substantial income of Rs 2.45 crore for the local farmers involved.

Chhattisgarh Herbals rapidly expanding rural livelihoods in remote forest areas

Efforts are underway to promote rural development as well as the upliftment of people’s economic status in the remote areas of Chhattisgarh. The products of Chhattisgarh Herbals, produced by the Chhattisgarh State Minor Forest Produce Co-operative Federation, are now available at local Sanjeevani stores, C-Mart, and online shopping platforms. These products include high-quality herbal, ayurvedic, and personal care items.

The entire production process is designed to empower rural women and tribal families. This initiative has not only provided a new identity to the forest produce but has also become a testament to the self-respect, self-confidence, and self-reliance of tribal women and their families, contributing to a new chapter of progress in Chhattisgarh.

State runs several schemes to save the environment

Under the ‘Narva Development Program’, the state government has revitalised a total of 22,92,000 hectares of land by restoring 6,395 canals in the forest regions. This has resulted in an increase in groundwater levels and improved water availability for irrigation purposes. Soil moisture has also seen a significant improvement. In Chhattisgarh, dedicated efforts are being made to accelerate economic development based on forest produce.

The state has announced to procure 65 types of forest produce at support prices and focuses on its value addition and processing. This not only provides employment opportunities to the people of this area but also ensures a substantial income for the people of remote areas. Additionally, the ‘Mukhyamantri Vriksha Sampada Yojana’ encourages fruit tree plantation and contributes to an expansion in forest cover.

The scheme has an objective to plant trees on approximately 36,000 acres, and farmers are responding to this scheme enthusiastically. Over 20,000 farmers have registered for the program, with more than 23,000 committed to planting trees on about 36,000 acres of private land under the Mukhyamantri Vriksha Sampada Yojana.