Chhattisgarh CM Unveils Cutting-Edge Ayurvedic Plant, Championing ‘Forest to Pharmacy’ Drive

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai inaugurated an Ayurvedic processing facility aimed at enhancing local employment and promoting sustainable forest use. The initiative is expected to create jobs for over 2,000 individuals while supporting tribal communities through sustainable sourcing of raw materials.

In a significant stride towards harnessing the rich biodiversity and traditional knowledge of Chhattisgarh, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai today inaugurated an advanced Ayurvedic medicine processing facility and central warehouse complex at Jamgaon (M) in Patan Assembly constituency, Durg district. The facility, developed by the Chhattisgarh State Minor Forest Produce Cooperative Federation, is complemented by a herbal extraction unit established in public-private partnership with Sprayer Biotech Private Limited.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Sai affirmed that the state government is steadfastly fulfilling the guarantees made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "Over the past eighteen months, we have been resolutely advancing the state’s development agenda. Every promise made to the three crore citizens of Chhattisgarh is being honoured with utmost priority," he remarked.

The Chief Minister underlined that the three newly inaugurated herbal facilities are expected to generate direct and indirect employment for approximately 2,000 individuals. "With nearly 44 percent of Chhattisgarh’s landmass under forest cover, this initiative is both a privilege and a responsibility. The raw materials for Ayurvedic formulations will be sustainably sourced from our forests, ensuring tangible economic benefits for tribal communities," he said. He described the processing unit as the largest of its kind in Central India and a milestone that will enhance healthcare delivery while positioning Chhattisgarh as a recognised national and international centre of Ayurveda.

Reiterating the government’s commitment to forest-dependent livelihoods, Shri Sai said that increase in the procurement rate for tendu leaves from ₹4,500 to ₹5,500 per standard sack benefits nearly 1.3 million tendu leaf collector families. He also highlighted the revival of the ‘Charan Paduka Yojana,’ under which protective footwear is distributed to forest workers. Five women beneficiaries received footwear during the event.

Appealing to citizens to participate in the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ (One Tree in Mother’s Name) campaign, the Chief Minister urged every individual to plant at least one sapling as a living tribute to their mother and to nature.

Forest Minister Kedar Kashyap, addressing the gathering, noted that Chhattisgarh’s 44.1% forest cover makes it a treasure trove of minor forest produce. He described the facility as the largest processing unit in Central India and a vital step towards streamlining collection, processing, and marketing of forest resources. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Sai, he said, Chhattisgarh’s forest produce would secure greater visibility in global markets. He further informed that the state collects 67 varieties of minor forest produce, benefitting over 1.34 million forest-dependent families.

Mahamandaleshwar Shri Shri 1008 Swami Kailashanand Giri Ji Maharaj also spoke on the occasion, emphasising the relevance of Ayurvedic medicine in contemporary health systems.

Prior to the inauguration, Chief Minister Sai planted an amla sapling within the facility premises, joined by Forest Minister Kashyap, who planted a custard apple sapling; MP Vijay Baghel, who planted a bel tree; and Mahamandaleshwar Swami Kailashanand Giri Ji Maharaj, who also planted a custard apple sapling.

The Ayurvedic processing unit represents a pioneering effort to integrate Chhattisgarh’s abundant forest resources with modern scientific techniques, realising the ‘Forest to Pharmacy’ model. Built on 27.87 acres at a cost of ₹36.47 crore, the facility is projected to produce Ayurvedic products valued at ₹50 crore annually. Medicinal and minor forest produce such as mahua, sal seeds, kalmegh, giloy, and ashwagandha will be systematically processed into powders, syrups, oils, tablets, and avaleha under stringent quality standards. The unit will also serve as a key hub for promoting the ‘Chhattisgarh Herbals’ brand across national and international markets.

The project is expected to generate sustainable livelihood opportunities for over 2,000 individuals, with a strong emphasis on women’s participation in primary processing. Technical training programmes will enable local youth to acquire skills and access new avenues of employment. A modern warehouse with a capacity of 20,000 metric tonnes has also been constructed to facilitate long-term storage and quality control of seasonal produce. The initiative embodies Prime Minister Modi’s vision of ‘Vocal for Local’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat,’ exemplifying local value addition, environmental stewardship, and inclusive growth.

A Touching Gesture: Dignity for Forest Workers

In a moment reflecting rare sensitivity, Chief Minister Sai personally helped Smt. Shakuntala Kuraiti, a beneficiary from Badhbhum village in Balod district, to wear protective footwear under the Charan Paduka Yojana. The Chief Minister’s gesture drew widespread appreciation and set an example of empathetic leadership. Inspired by his action, Forest Minister Kashyap and other dignitaries presented footwear to Smt. Vaijayanti Kuraiti, Smt. Nirmala Uike, Smt. Lalita Uike, and Smt. Aghanthin Usendi.

The event was attended by MP Vijay Baghel; MLAs Doman Lal Korsevada, Sampat Lal Agrawal, Lalit Chandrakar, Gajendra Yadav, and Rikesh Sen; former Minister Ramshila Sahu; former MLA Daya Ram Sahu; Vikas Markam, Chairman of the Tribal Health Traditions & Medicinal Plants Board; Ramsevak Paikra, Chairman of the Forest Development Corporation; PCCF V. Shrinivas Rao; Minor Forest Produce Federation MD Anil Kumar Sahu; and Executive President S. Manikasan