Raipur. On the initiative of Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai, participation of women is being ensured in the field of forest medicine processing so that they can be economically empowered. Processing of forest medicines is not only making proper use of natural resources, but local women are also getting self-employment opportunities. Chief Minister Shri Sai has encouraged the active role of women in this field and called upon them to work towards making them self-reliant.
The forest medicine processing center run by 12 women of Haribol Self Help Group, Donganala, located in Katghora Forest Division of Chhattisgarh, has achieved an inspiring success with their hard work, dedication and collective efforts. Started in the year 2006-07, this center operates under the European Commission project. Today this group has become an example in the entire state due to its unique efforts.
The early life of the women of this group was very struggleful. Earlier they used to earn their livelihood by working as laborers in the village. Their monthly income was barely Rs 500-600. They faced many challenges while struggling with financial constraints, but a collective resolve changed their lives.
The group entered the field of processing of medicinal herbs and started manufacturing Ayurvedic products. The group manufactures many Ayurvedic medicinal herbs like Hingvashtak Churna, Ashwagandhadi Churna, Sitopaladi Churna, Pushyanug Churna, Bilwadi Churna, Triphala Churna, Panchsam Churna, Shatavari Churna, Amalaki Churna, Payokil Dant Manjan, Herbal Coffee Churna, Mahila Mitra Churna, Herbal Face Pack Churna, Herbal Keshpal Churna, etc. Collection of raw medicinal herbs, determination of ingredients and processing work is done under the guidance of Ayurveda doctor (technical staff). The group has recently received an order of Rs 2 crore from the AYUSH department, which proves the quality of the group itself. This not only shows their excellence but also proves the ever-increasing credibility and demand of their efforts.
These herbal medicines produced by the entrepreneurship of the women of Haribol Self Help Group are in high demand at the local and state level. On an average, herbal medicines worth about Rs 44 lakh are sold by the group every year. Apart from this, hundreds of local and nearby patients are also being treated for various diseases under the supervision of the experienced Vaidya appointed at the center.
The result of the hard work and dedication of the Haribol Self Help Group was that a profit of Rs 97,204 was earned in the year 2007-08. This initial success further increased the confidence of the women. In the year 2023-24, the group earned a net profit of Rs 6,57,254, taking the annual income of each member to about Rs 1.75 lakh. This economic change was a huge advancement compared to their old situation.
Apart from this, out of the dividend received by each member of the group, Rs 3000 is given for domestic work, while the remaining amount is used for the upgradation and development of the center. Thus the group is not only increasing personal income, but is also moving towards stable and long-term growth.
Haribol Self Help Group has not only improved its economic condition, but has also strengthened its identity in the society. Women are now self-reliant and are providing a better life to their families. Their confidence has also increased significantly, and they have become an inspiration for others through their entrepreneurship.
Smt. Saroj Patel, President of the Group, said about this success, “With the support of the State Forest Department, our standard of living has improved a lot. Today we are self-reliant and have got a respected place in the society.” Chhattisgarh Forest Department has played an important role in the success of this project. Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Chief of Forest Force Shri V. Srinivas Rao said that under the guidance of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai and Forest Minister Shri Kedar Kashyap, the State Forest Department is committed towards income generation by involving self-help groups in collection, processing and marketing of forest medicines. This initiative has not only made women self-reliant but also the forest wealth of the state is being properly utilized.
Haribol Self Help Group has not only been appreciated locally but has also received recognition at the national and international level. It has been awarded the prestigious Grit Award in Singapore and has been awarded the Best Forest Produce Award by TRIFED of Government of India and Government of Chhattisgarh.
This forest medicine processing center of Donganala has become a source of inspiration not only for the women of Haribol Self Help Group but for the entire region. This initiative has proved that efforts made with the right direction and determination can bring about the biggest changes. Today this group is an ideal example for other self-help groups and rural communities that dreams can be fulfilled with collectivity, hard work and determination.