Forest produce processing, value addition and herbal extraction units create new livelihood opportunities, especially for women
Published on: January 01, 2025
By: BTNI
Location: Raipur, India
The Central Processing Unit (CPU) at Jamgaon M in the Patan development block of Durg district is playing a significant role in strengthening the rural economy by creating sustainable employment opportunities through the collection, processing and value addition of minor forest produce and medicinal plants. The initiative has been particularly beneficial for rural communities, including women, by providing them with steady income and livelihood options.
Developed over an area of nearly 111 acres, the CPU operates with the support of the Chhattisgarh government and the Chhattisgarh State Minor Forest Produce (Trade and Development) Cooperative Federation. Forest produce and medicinal plants are procured directly from forest-dwelling communities and processed at the facility. The finished products are marketed under the ‘Chhattisgarh Herbal’ brand and are widely used for their health benefits.
At Processing Unit No. 01, a range of pure herbal products such as juice, candy, lachha, murabba, sharbat, pulp and RTS beverages are manufactured from amla, bael and jamun. These products are sold through NWFP Marts and Sanjeevani Stores. Within just one year, the unit has produced and sold goods worth approximately ₹44 lakh, significantly contributing to local income generation.
Processing Unit No. 02 houses four large warehouses with a combined storage capacity of 20,000 metric tonnes. Forest produce collected from various districts of the state is safely stored here. Currently, items such as kodo, kutki, ragi, harra, chirayata, kalmegh, palash flowers and sal seeds are stocked. Sales are conducted through a tender process managed by the Federation’s headquarters in Raipur. Together, the two units have generated over 5,200 human-days of employment so far.
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In addition, a herbal extraction unit has been established at Jamgaon M under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model through a collaboration between the State Minor Forest Produce Federation and Sphere Biotech Company. Inaugurated in 2025 by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai and Forest Minister Kedar Kashyap, the unit spans around six acres. Extracts from medicinal plants such as giloy, kalmegh, bahera, safed musli, wild turmeric, gudmar, ashwagandha and shatavari are produced here for use in Ayurvedic medicines and wellness products.
The herbal extraction unit ensures assured procurement of forest produce and medicinal plants from rural collectors at fair prices, providing them with regular income and long-term economic stability. Officials said that the integrated facilities at Jamgaon M are becoming a strong foundation for value addition, employment generation and sustainable livelihoods for forest-dependent communities.
