Raipur : Under the initiative of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai, participation of women in the field of herbal processing is being actively promoted to ensure their economic empowerment. This initiative not only ensures optimal utilization of natural resources through the processing of herbal medicines but also provides sustainable self-employment opportunities for local women. Encouraging women’s active involvement in this sector, Chief Minister Shri Sai has called for concerted efforts towards making them self-reliant.
‘Hari Bol Self-Help Group’, consisting of 12 women from the Donganala region in the Katghora Forest Division of Chhattisgarh, has achieved a remarkable success through their dedication, perseverance, and collective efforts. Established in 2006-07, this herbal processing centre operates under the aegis of the European Commission Project. Today, owing to its unique and exemplary approach, the group has emerged as a model of success across the state.
The initial years were marked by severe hardships for the women of this group. They used to engage in labor work within the village, earning a meager monthly income of Rs 500-600. Faced with dire financial constraints, they confronted numerous challenges. However, a shared determination transformed their lives.
The group ventured into the herbal processing sector and began manufacturing Ayurvedic products. Some of their key products include Hingvastak Churna, Ashwagandhadi Churna, Sitopaladi Churna, Pushyanug Churna, Bilvadi Churna, Triphala Churna, Panchsam Churna, Shatavari Churna, Aamlaki Churna, Payokil Tooth Powder, Herbal Coffee Powder, Mahila Mitra Churna, Herbal Face Pack Powder, and Herbal Keshpal Churna, among others. The collection of raw herbs, formulation of ingredients, and processing are carried out under the guidance of Ayurvedic practitioners (technical staff). Recently, the group secured an order worth Rs 2 crore from the AYUSH department, which stands as a testament to the quality and reliability of their products. This not only underscores their excellence but also reflects the growing demand and credibility of their enterprise.
The Ayurvedic medicines produced by the Hari Bol Self-Help Group are highly sought after both locally and across the state. On average, the group sells herbal products worth approximately Rs 44 lakh annually. In addition, under the supervision of an experienced Vaidya (Ayurvedic doctor), hundreds of patients from the local and surrounding areas receive treatment for various ailments at the centre.
The dedication and hard work of the Hari Bol Self-Help Group bore fruit when they recorded a profit of Rs 97,204 in the fiscal year 2007-08. This initial success boosted their confidence significantly. In the fiscal year 2023-24, the group achieved a net profit of Rs 6,57,254, raising the annual income of each member to nearly Rs 1.75 lakh. This economic transformation marks a significant advancement compared to their earlier financial condition. Additionally, each member of the group is allotted Rs 3,000 from their earnings for household expenses, while the remaining amount is reinvested for the upgradation and development of the centre.
This approach not only enhances their personal income but also ensures sustainable and long-term growth. Hari Bol Self-Help Group has not only improved their economic condition but has also established a strong presence in society. The women are now self-reliant and are able to provide a better life for their families. Their confidence has seen a remarkable rise, and they have emerged as a source of inspiration for others through their entrepreneurial journey. Reflecting on this success, the President of the Group, Mrs. Saroj Patel, remarked, "Our standard of living has significantly improved with the support of the State Forest Department. Today, we are self-sufficient and have earned a respectable place in society."
The success of this project is largely attributed to the Chhattisgarh Forest Department. Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force, Shri V. Srinivas Rao, stated, “Under the guidance of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai and Forest Minister Shri Kedar Kashyap, the State Forest Department is committed to integrating self-help groups into the collection, processing, and marketing of herbal medicines, thereby generating income.
This initiative has not only empowered women but has also ensured the optimal utilization of the state’s forest resources.” The Hari Bol Self-Help Group has received appreciation not just at the local level but also on national and international platforms. It was honored with the prestigious Grit Award in Singapore and recognized with the Best Forest Produce Award by the Government of India’s TRIFED and the Chhattisgarh Government.
The Donganala Herbal Processing Centre has become a beacon of hope, not just for the women of the Hari Bol Self-Help Group but for the entire region. This initiative has proved that with the right direction and determination, significant changes can be achieved. Today, this group stands as an ideal example for other self-help groups and rural communities, demonstrating that with unity, hard work, and resolute determination, dreams can indeed be realized.
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