Mahua: From Liquor to Superfood Livelihood Revolution

In the tribal heartlands of Chhattisgarh, a quiet revolution is brewing around mahua, a flower long stigmatized as mere liquor fodder. Once dismissed in traditional mindsets, mahua is now emerging as a nutritious superfood through safe processing, value addition, and food grade innovation. At the epicenter stands Jashpur’s Mahua Centre of Excellence, realizing a vision first envisioned by former Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai: transforming this forest produce into a viable dietary staple.

This shift gained momentum recently when a group of nine tribal women from self help groups (SHGs) in Sukma district’s Konta block, seven from Mundapalli and two from Tongpal, visited Jashpur. Led by PPIA Fellow Arkja Kuthiyala, they immersed in an exposure and field training program on mahua’s food grade collection, dust free drying, and processing. Key lessons included net based harvesting to avoid ground contamination, hygienic drying techniques, and initial handling to meet quality standards.

Sessions at the Centre delved into food safety, consistency, and processing, demonstrated through hands on examples. Participants also toured a DST supported solar tunnel dryer installed by NIFTEM, learning scientific dehydration for fruits, vegetables, and mahua. Coordination came from local teams, PPIA Fellow Shrikant, and NRLM’s Gaya Prasad, ensuring seamless on ground execution.

Mahua has nourished tribal communities for centuries, yet modern hygiene and science can elevate it from forest byproduct to market ready ingredient. Jashpur’s initiatives not only redefine the district’s identity but also empower women SHGs, fostering sustainable livelihoods from Sukma to Jashpur. This model proves how reviving indigenous resources with innovation can combat poverty, boost nutrition, and build economic resilience in remote areas.

As India pushes for tribal empowerment and non timber forest produce, scaling such efforts nationwide could unlock billions in value. Policymakers must prioritize similar centres, training, and market linkages to turn cultural heritage into prosperity.