CHHATTISGARH Tribal, Local Health Traditions and Medicinal Plant Board (CGTLHT & MPB) is strongly emphasizing on innovative initiatives to strengthen the rural economy and make women self-reliant. Under the directives of Forest Minister Kedar Kashyap and the guidance of CGTLHT & MPB Chairman Vikas Markam, a convergence model prepared by the board is being implemented, wherein vacant land of panchayats is being used for the cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants. The district administration is providing support for this initiative through the DMF fund. This model has been effectively implemented in Gaurela-Pendra-Marwahi district. In Sekhwa Gram Panchayat of Marwahi block, lemon grass is being cultivated on 50 acres of land provided by the Panchayat at Patharra village.

 

A total of 156 women associated with 10 women self-help groups are engaged in lemon grass cultivation. The Board provided expert training to the women farmers covering the entire process from cultivation to oil production. Different aspects of training included soil testing, field preparation, plantation techniques, irrigation management, crop harvesting and methods of extracting oil through a distillation unit. Lemon grass slips for plantation were also provided free of cost. The women were also taken on exposure visits to directly understand advanced techniques and successful models. A distillation unit has been installed by the board on the 50-acre Panchayat land. To ensure that the women did not face any market-related difficulties, the board executed agreements with oil-purchasing institutions even before the start of lemon grass cultivation.

 

Thus, it helped selling the oil immediately after production. In the past one year, after two harvests women self-help groups have sold lemon grass oil worth around Rs 1.20 lakh. With better opportunities, the income of women associated with this initiative has increased significantly through the sale of lemon grass oil. This model is not only empowering women economically but also emerging as a source of inspiration for other women.