TFP Bureau,Raipur, June 29, 2025: In a landmark initiative to harness Chhattisgarh’s rich forest resources and traditional knowledge, Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai on Saturday inaugurated a state-of-the-art Ayurvedic medicine processing facility and central warehouse complex at Jamgaon (M), located in the Patan Assembly constituency of Durg district. Developed by the Chhattisgarh State Minor Forest Produce Cooperative Federation, this facility—established in collaboration with Sprayer Biotech Pvt. Ltd.—represents a significant step toward realising the state’s ‘Forest to Pharmacy’ model.
The mega facility, built on 27.87 acres at a cost of ₹36.47 crore, is expected to produce Ayurvedic products worth ₹50 crore annually. It will process medicinal and minor forest produce like mahua, giloy, kalmegh, ashwagandha, and sal seeds into syrups, tablets, oils, and powders under stringent quality standards. A modern warehouse with 20,000 MT storage capacity has also been inaugurated to support long-term storage and quality control.
Speaking at the launch, Chief Minister Sai described the initiative as both an economic opportunity and a cultural responsibility. “Nearly 44% of Chhattisgarh is under forest cover. This facility reflects our promise to create sustainable livelihoods, preserve traditional knowledge, and bring tribal communities into the economic mainstream,” he said, adding that approximately 2,000 people will benefit from direct and indirect employment through the facility.
He also highlighted the state’s commitment to tribal welfare, noting the increase in tendu leaf procurement rates—from ₹4,500 to ₹5,500 per sack—benefiting 13 lakh families. Reviving the Charan Paduka Yojana, the Chief Minister personally handed protective footwear to forest workers, including Smt. Shakuntala Kuraiti of Balod, in a gesture that won public admiration for its compassion.
Boost to ‘Chhattisgarh Herbals’ and Local Economies
The facility aims to promote the ‘Chhattisgarh Herbals’ brand at both national and global levels, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Vocal for Local’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’. Forest Minister Kedar Kashyap called the unit the largest in Central India, emphasizing its role in value addition and marketing of the 67 varieties of minor forest produce collected across the state.
Mahamandaleshwar Shri Shri 1008 Swami Kailashanand Giri Ji Maharaj, who was present at the event, praised the relevance of Ayurveda in modern health care and blessed the initiative. He also planted a custard apple sapling alongside other dignitaries, including the Chief Minister, who planted an amla tree.
Courtesy Visit in Raipur
A day after the inauguration, Mahamandaleshwar Dr. Swami Kailashanand Giri Ji Maharaj paid a courtesy visit to Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai in Raipur. During their meeting, the two discussed spiritual matters, traditional knowledge systems, and the evolving role of Ayurveda in public health. CM Sai received the blessings of the revered saint during the interaction
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Several dignitaries were present during the meeting, including Women and Child Development Minister Mrs. Laxmi Rajwade, Union MoS Mrs. Savitri Thakur, State Child Rights Commission Chairperson Dr. Varnika Sharma, Forest Development Corporation Chairman Shri Ramsevak Paikra, and CM’s Secretary Shri Rahul Bhagat.
Empowering Tribals Through Innovation
The Ayurvedic processing facility is poised to become a hub for research, training, and skill development, particularly for local youth and women involved in forest produce collection. Training programmes and modern equipment will support capacity building while enhancing incomes for forest-dependent families.
As Chhattisgarh steps into a new chapter of self-reliance through traditional knowledge and modern science, the initiative marks a turning point in combining economic development, ecological responsibility, and cultural preservation.
