Forest to Pharmacy: Launch of Ayurvedic Unit worth Rs 36.47 crore in Chhattisgarh
Chhattisgarh’s Ayurvedic Processing Project realizing ‘Vocal for Local’
Raipur 28 June 2025: The state-of-the-art Ayurvedic Medicine Processing Unit built by Chhattisgarh State Minor Forest Produce Cooperative Federation Limited will be inaugurated on June 29 at village Jamgaon (M), District Durg. Chief Guest of the inauguration ceremony will be Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai. The program will be presided over by Forest and Climate Change Minister Kedar Kashyap. Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma, MP Durg Vijay Baghel, local MLAs, Chairman of State Forest Medicine Board Vikas Markam and Chairman of Forest Development Corporation Ramsevak Paikra will be present on this occasion. 1008 Doctor Swami Kailashanand Giri Ji Maharaj Maha Mandaleshwar, Haridwar Uttarakhand will be specially present in the program.
The Ayurvedic Processing Unit is a historic initiative towards realizing the Forest to Pharmacy model by connecting the rich forest wealth of Chhattisgarh with science and modern technology. In an area of 27.87 acres, Rs. The Ayurvedic processing unit constructed at a cost of Rs. 36.47 crore is estimated to produce products worth about Rs. 50 crore per year. This unit will manufacture quality Ayurvedic products like powder, syrup, oil, tablet and avaleha by organizing and scientific processing of medicinal and minor forest produce found in the forests of the state such as Mahua, Sal Seed, Kalmegh, Giloy, Ashwagandha etc. This unit will also become a major center for getting the state’s products recognized in the national and international market under the Chhattisgarh Herbals brand. More than 1000 people will get direct and indirect employment opportunities under the project. This will ensure the participation of a large number of women in primary processing work, which will give them an opportunity for self-employment. At the same time, new doors of livelihood will open at the local level due to the youth getting technical training.
A storage capacity of 20,000 metric tonnes of modern warehouse has been developed in the Ayurvedic processing unit, which will help in long-term preservation and quality control of seasonal forest produce. This project gives concrete shape to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Vocal for Local and Aatmanirbhar Bharat. It not only presents an example of local value addition of forest products, but also strengthens environmental balance, economic development and social inclusiveness. It is noteworthy that under the leadership of Chhattisgarh State Minor Forest Produce Cooperative Federation Limited, the state is moving towards a new green industrial era, ensuring widespread positive change in the lives of forest dwellers and villagers.