- Dantewada’s Women Farmer Producer Company Receives National Organic Certification
- A significant achievement for CGCERT under the guidance of Forest Minister Shri Kedar Kashyap; a new initiative to boost the income of tribal women
For the first time in Chhattisgarh, forest produce collected by a women farmer producer company has received national organic certification. Tamarind, Mahua, and mangoes collected by the Maa Danteshwari Women Farmer Producer Company Limited in Dantewada district have obtained organic certification under the Government of India’s National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP). This significant achievement by the Chhattisgarh Certification Committee (CGCERT), accomplished under the guidance of Forest Minister Shri Kedar Kashyap, paves the way for Bastar’s forest produce to gain new recognition in both national and international markets. Additionally, it will create new income-generation opportunities for the 930 women associated with the company.
Most of the women associated with the company belong to tribal communities and have traditionally been engaged in collecting forest produce. Obtaining organic certification will facilitate access to premium organic markets across the country and enhance export prospects for their products. Currently, 930 women are associated with the company, and this number is expected to rise to over 2,000 in the near future.
In Bastar, a region long affected by Naxalism, this initiative is crucial for livelihoods and economic empowerment. Efforts by the central and state governments are creating new opportunities for peace and development in the area. As part of this process, a significant step has been taken to link Bastar’s natural wealth with the economic prosperity of local women.
Organic certification will provide access to premium national organic markets and open avenues for exports to international markets, ensuring the women receive better prices for their produce.
All certification procedures were completed under the guidance of Shri Arun Kumar Pandey, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests & Head of Forest Force and Chairman of CGCERT. Mr. Animesh Govardhan, CEO of CGCERT, ensured the necessary coordination and technical support for women involved in this process.
- Plans to expand the initiative to 10,000 farmers
Under the guidance of Forest Minister Mr. Kedar Kashyap, this initiative is likely to be expanded to approximately 10,000 farmers associated with PGS (Participatory Guarantee System) and other women-led farmer producer companies in the Bastar division. This will open up new opportunities to increase the income of thousands of tribal families while developing Bastar into a major production and export hub for organic forest produce.