Hirda Collection
Hirda collection and processing is a major source of livelihood for most of the local families.Hirda trade and processing has the potential to bring prosperity if the right support provided.
Restrictions on Trade
Hirda is declared as Forest Product so there are a lot of restrictions. This hinders the business.
Unawareness about Rules
Farmers do not update documents accordingly and so do no benefit from government schemes.
Lack of facilities
Farmers do not have facilities for storing or processing Hirda which reduces the product value.
Weak Marketing Channel
Tribals are exploited by private traders and market forces due to limited hirda selling and processing options.
Challenges
The Shashwat Model
​Training
Training farmers and SHGs for processing and grading Hirda.
Providing training of other professions based on Hirda
Technology
Conducting business study and research.
Finding new solutions to improve product quality.
Trade
Establishing a web of farmers and traders.
Providing facilities like storage and transport.
Stepping into
the Business
In 2019 Shashwat formed a 'farmer producer organisation' (FPO) to provide a better price as well as facilities like transport and storage of hirda.
Work Done and Impact
7
Training Camps
44
Villages
637
Families
This project makes a great contribution to women empowerment. The main manpower of the project is 32 SHGs. Most of the work, from processing Hirda to operating machines, is handled by SHGs.
Also the farmers are getting 2-3 times more price for processed and graded Hirda.
Machinery
Currently 5 hirda processing machines developed by IIT Powai are in operation
Medicine Manufacturing
Training was given as a supplementary business to HIrda Farming.
Business Study
Studies related to, suitable hirda business models were conducted with the help of an Expert appointed by IIT Powai.