Natural purity of forests of Chhattisgarh will spread all over the country
MoU of three government institutions for the prosperity of women of self-help groups
Raipur, 5 August 2023
This is a historic moment for Chhattisgarh, when three government institutions have come together in the direction of sustainable development, livelihood and women empowerment of the forest dwellers. Chhattisgarh State Minor Forest Produce Cooperative Union, IIM Raipur and Kendriya Bhandar have signed an MoU regarding Chhattisgarh Herbals. Under this MoU, the products of Chhattisgarh Herbals will now be available at all Kendriya Bhandar stores of the Central Government Employees Co-operative. These three institutions will work together for the economic development and prosperous future of the women of the self-help groups of the state, due to which the hard work of the forest-dwelling rural women and forest collectors will now get a new recognition across the country.
The biggest benefit of this MoU will be given to the forest dwellers, who are making products of Chhattisgarh Herbals every day with hard work, dedication and faith. The products made by them will be easily available in the nationwide market. Chhattisgarh Herbals is fast growing towards becoming India’s first minor forest produce based brand. The natural purity of the state’s forests will now reach the entire country and these forest-dwelling women of the state will get additional income. They will move towards self-reliance.
IIM Raipur will impart retail management training to the employees of Kendriya Bhandar to increase the sales of Chhattisgarh Herbals products made by tribal women self-help groups. Kendriya Bhandar will benefit from the training expertise of IIM Raipur. It is worth mentioning that according to the intention of Chief Minister Mr. Bhupesh Baghel, under the guidance of Forest Minister Mr. Mohammad Akbar, continuous efforts are being made for smooth arrangements for collection of minor forest produce as well as their processing and marketing etc. in the state.
On the occasion of signing the MoU, Mr. Anil Rai, Managing Director of CGMFP Federation said that it is a matter of pride for Chhattisgarh that three big government organizations will cooperate for the sale of Chhattisgarh Herbals, a product made by rural women. Due to which the women of self-help groups will be financially empowered.
IIM Raipur Director Dr. Ram Kumar Kakani said that IIM Raipur will fully cooperate in the prosperity of livelihood of tribals of Chhattisgarh. Our team of experts is committed to continuously improve the work in collaboration with the employees of Central Stores and the State Minor Forest Produce Association.
Kendriya Bhandar’s Managing Director Dr. Mukesh Kumar said in a video greeting message that it is a golden opportunity for us and the entire country that now the products made by Chhattisgarh’s tribal brothers and sisters will be available at Kendriya Bhandar stores across the country. Experts from IIM Raipur will come to Delhi and train the employees of Kendriya Bhandar. Through the promotion and sale of the products of Chhattisgarh Herbals, we will cooperate to empower those lakhs of forest dwellers economically.
