Chhattisgarh to Launch Sal Seed Processing Unit to Aid Tribal Livelihood

The Chhattisgarh Forest Department is set to initiate a sal seed processing unit in Katghora division, Korba, to elevate the incomes of tribal families relying on forest resource collection.

Kumar Nishant, the Divisional Forest Officer, highlighted the significant demand for 'sal butter,' an oil derived from sal seeds, used extensively in the food industry as a fat alternative in products like chocolates and biscuits. The planned facility will bolster value addition of forest produce locally, directly benefiting tribal communities by offering improved economic prospects.

The forest department intends to disrupt the current system where traders purchase these resources at minimal prices from collectors, gaining maximum profits by processing them in urban areas. Instead, establishing local processing units ensures that profits remain with the villagers.

The proposed unit in Donganala village will process over 1,000 quintals of sal seeds collected annually and will extend its capabilities to other local produce, like mahua and neem seeds. By deploying modern machinery, the department intends to ease the labor-intensive traditional methods employed by the villagers. This move not only promotes self-sufficiency but may also inspire similar initiatives in other regions.

(With inputs from agencies.)