Launched a Micro- entrepreneurial initiative Empowering Tribal Women: Sustainable Mahua Processing Homestead Enterprises for Livelihood Diversification at KVK, Adilabad.

In the heart of Telangana’s Deccan Plateau, the Mahua tree (Madhuca Indica) stands as a vital source of sustenance and cultural heritage for the Gond, Kolam, and Pardhan tribes. Revered as a “Kalpavriksha” or “Tree of Life,” Mahua plays a crucial role in tribal livelihoods, offering food security, supplemental income, and spiritual significance. Traditionally, every tribal household owned at least five Mahua trees, each yielding 80-320 kg of fresh flowers over a 15-20 day flowering period in March and April. Rich in sugars, proteins, essential minerals, and vitamins, Mahua flowers surpass many staple foods in nutritional value. Recognizing its economic and nutritional potential, Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Adilabad, under the administrative control of Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University, launched a micro-entrepreneurial initiative to empower ethnic tribal women. As part of this initiative, KVK provided hands-on training to two Self-Help Groups (SHGs) from Khairdatwa Village, Narnoor Mandal, and Indravelly Village and Mandal on January 6, 2025, at the KVK Training Hall in Adilabad. Following the training, the SHGs started homestead enterprises producing Mahua-based dry fruit and nut Ladoo’s, incorporating 31.5% Mahua flowers. With a production cost of Rs. 150 per kg and a selling price of Rs.400 per kg, each kilogram yields a net income of Rs. 250. This high-margin Ladoo’s not only enhances the economic viability of Mahua value addition but also ensures the sustainability of homestead enterprises. The initiative stands as a remarkable success story in promoting self-reliance and sustainable livelihoods among tribal women in Adilabad