Bastar’s organic forest produce set to gain wider recognition in national and international markets
Key milestone for CGCERT under Forest Minister Shri Kedar Kashyap’s guidance to create new income opportunities for tribal women
In a first for Chhattisgarh, forest produce collected by a women-led farmer producer company has received national organic certification. Tamarind, mahua and mango collected by the Maa Danteshwari Women Farmer Producer Company Limited in Dantewada district have been certified organic under the Government of India’s National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP).
Achieved under the guidance of Forest Minister Shri Kedar Kashyap, this milestone for the Chhattisgarh Certification Society (CGCERT) is expected to open new opportunities for Bastar’s forest produce in national and international markets. It will also create avenues for improving the incomes of the women associated with the company.
Most of the company’s members belong to tribal communities and have traditionally depended on forest produce collection for their livelihoods. Organic certification will help their products access premium organic markets in India and expand export opportunities, potentially enabling the women to secure better prices for their produce. The company currently has 930 women members, and its membership is expected to exceed 2,000 in the coming years.
In Bastar, a region that has long been affected by Naxalism, the initiative marks an important step towards strengthening livelihoods and promoting economic empowerment. Efforts by the Central and State governments are creating new opportunities for peace and development in the region. This initiative seeks to link Bastar’s rich natural resources with the economic prosperity of local women by creating better market opportunities for its forest produce.
The certification process was completed under the guidance of Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force, and CGCERT Chairman Shri Arun Kumar Pandey. CGCERT Chief Executive Officer Shri Animesh Govardhan facilitated the process by ensuring the necessary coordination and technical support for the women.
Initiative to be expanded to around 10,000 farmers
Forest Minister Shri Kedar Kashyap is guiding efforts to expand the initiative to around 10,000 farmers associated with the Participatory Guarantee System (PGS), along with other women’s farmer producer companies across the Bastar division. The expansion is expected to create new income opportunities for thousands of tribal families and help position Bastar as a major centre for the production and export of organic forest produce.