From forests to fortunes: How tribal women are leading the way

A group of tribal women from Utnoor is setting an inspiring example by turning their traditional knowledge into a thriving business. Through the Bheem Bhai Tribal Women’s Cooperative Society, these women have achieved a turnover of ₹1.27 crore by producing nutritious laddoos made from the Ipappuvvu (Mahua) flower, a forest resource.

Supported by Integrated Tribal Development Agency (ITDA) Utnoor and Telangana State Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (TRICOR), the women prepare laddoos in compliance with National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) standards, using ingredients like millets, sesame seeds, jaggery, cashews, raisins, and sunflower oil. These laddoos are supplied to 77 tribal schools under the Tribal Nutrition Friends program, with a monthly supply of 2,300 kg. Additionally, they sell them in markets like Shilparamam and Balapur at ₹360 per kg.

Over 100 tribal families are now involved in collecting and processing the Ipappuvvu flowers, generating stable employment and income. Each household earns an average of ₹8,000-12,000 per month, a significant improvement over their previous irregular earnings. This has not only boosted financial stability but also enhanced economic awareness in the community.

The women received training in Yavatmal, Maharashtra, where 12 of them learned about food processing, hygiene standards, packaging, marketing, and nutrition. The hands-on, 20-day program at the Agricultural Processing and Food Technology Institute equipped them with practical skills, from flower collection to the production of nutritious laddoos.

Following the training, the women returned to Utnoor and set up their cooperative unit with a ₹40 lakh investment, 60% of which was subsidized by TRICOR. Their efforts have been recognized by State Minister Seethakka, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi mentioned their success in ‘Mann Ki Baat’. Under the guidance of the state government, this initiative stands as a model for tribal women’s empowerment, turning forest resources into a source of sustainable livelihood.