Ranchi: A special Leadership Training Program was organized at the HRDC Auditorium in Ranchi, the capital of Jharkhand, with the objective of empowering rural women economically and socially through the use of local resources. Hundreds of women from rural areas like Gumla, Khunti, Mandar, and others participated in this one-day training event. The program focused mainly on Mahua, a traditional yet highly versatile forest product.
Mahua — No Longer Just Alcohol, But a Source of Nutrition and Profit
Even today, Mahua is often associated solely with the production of alcohol. However, speakers at this program challenged that perception, highlighting how Mahua can be used to make laddoos, pickles, cakes, biscuits, health drinks, herbal products, and a wide range of food items.
Anmol emphasized, “Research and experimentation with nature are essential to understand actual market demand. Mahua should not be linked only to intoxication but seen as a resource that can become a strong medium of livelihood.”
He explained the process of product development, research, designing, packaging, and marketing to the women through a nine-step diagram.
Dr. Vasavi Kido: 15 Years of Hard Work is Now Bearing Fruit
Dr. Vasavi Kido, associated with science and health, said that her research on Mahua has been ongoing for the past 15 years. Earlier, village women only knew how to make alcohol from Mahua, but now they are preparing value-added products from it.
“Today, women are successfully selling Mahua laddoos in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Deoghar, and Gujarat. These are not just products — they are stories of self-reliance.”
She explained that this transformation has been possible through training and awareness.
Health and Nature: Healing Through Soil, Air, and Water
Physiotherapist Sunita Surin focused on health during the program, explaining how rural lifestyles and natural resources act as medicine for the human body.
“Working in mud increases digestive strength. While planting rice in the fields, women's bodies undergo a natural healing process.”
She emphasized the need for home massages, mud therapy, and nutritious food for issues like chest lumps in children, back pain in women, and other health problems.
The Treasure of Nutrition Hidden in Local Greens
Social worker Jyotsna Tirkey spoke in detail about the benefits of local green vegetables. She shared that greens like Somra Saag, Guma, Rajo Bhaji, Chakor, Gob Gol, Muchri, and Hid Micha are not only tasty but also provide essential nutrition to the body.
“A major reason behind anemia, malnutrition, and reproductive issues in women is neglect of nutrition.”
She pointed out that many women repeatedly suffer from infections, itching, and uterine problems — which can eventually lead to surgeries — all due to a lack of proper nutrition and awareness.
From the Village to Mumbai — A Woman’s Success Story
Poonia Khalkho, who came from Malti village for training, shared her inspiring journey. She has developed 20 different Mahua-based products. She sold Mahua laddoos at a fair in Gujarat and also shipped them to cities like Delhi and Mumbai, receiving excellent feedback.
“I never imagined that something from our village could be sold in such big cities. Now, I believe that we too can run businesses.”
Connecting Local Resources to Markets
Surendra from Gumla shared that
“If we receive the right training and a little support, even our greens can become a highlight of city supermarkets.”
Legal Awareness Understanding the CNT Act
Advocate Dhani Godia provided detailed information about the CNT Act (Chotanagpur Tenancy Act), helping women understand their land rights and legal protections.
The Seeds of Development Lie Hidden in the Village Soil
This program demonstrated that if rural women are given training, information, and a platform, they can not only become self-reliant but also transform the village economy. Mahua, once considered a symbol of intoxication, is now becoming a symbol of health, nutrition, livelihood, and pride.
The program sent a powerful message:
“We already have the resources — what we need is to change our mindset and connect our hands with skills.”
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