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A Historic Step Towards Realizing the Forest-to-Pharmacy Model
Built on 27.87 acres at a cost of ₹36.47 crore, this is Central India’s largest Ayurvedic Processing Unit
Raipur, 29 June 2025:
Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai inaugurated a state-of-the-art Ayurvedic medicine processing unit, central warehouse complex, and an herbal extraction unit in Jamgaon (M) village under Patan constituency, Durg district. These have been developed by the Chhattisgarh State Minor Forest Produce Cooperative Federation, along with a Public-Private Partnership unit by Sprayer Biotech Pvt. Ltd.
Addressing the gathering, CM Sai emphasized that the Chhattisgarh government is wholeheartedly fulfilling Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s guarantees. “In just one and a half years, our government has taken rapid steps toward development. We are prioritizing the promises made to the three crore citizens of the state,” he stated.
He announced that the three new herbal units will create direct and indirect employment for around 2,000 individuals. “44% of Chhattisgarh’s land is forest-covered — a boon for us. Raw materials for Ayurvedic medicines will be collected from forests and processed in these plants, directly benefiting forest dwellers,” he said. He added that this is the largest such unit in Central India and will become a milestone in Ayurvedic medicine manufacturing. It will improve healthcare and establish Chhattisgarh as a national and international hub for Ayurveda.
Support for Forest Dwellers
CM Sai informed that the collection rate for tendu leaves has been increased from ₹4,500 to ₹5,500 per standard sack, benefitting approximately 13 lakh collector families. The previously discontinued ‘Charan Paduka Yojana’ (Footwear Distribution Scheme) has also been revived, and five women beneficiaries were given footwear during the event.
He urged the public to join the “One Tree in Mother’s Name” campaign, encouraging everyone to plant at least one tree to honor their mothers and contribute to environmental protection.
Forest Minister Highlights Herbal Potential
Forest Minister Shri Kedar Kashyap stated that with 44.10% forest cover, Chhattisgarh is rich in forest produce. “This unit will simplify the collection, processing, and marketing of forest produce. Under CM Sai’s leadership, Chhattisgarh’s forest products will soon gain recognition in global markets,” he said. He noted that 67 types of forest produce are collected in the state, benefiting over 13.4 lakh forest dwellers.
He reaffirmed that the Charan Paduka scheme has been restarted in alignment with “Modi’s Guarantee.”
Cultural and Spiritual Acknowledgment
Mahamandaleshwar Shri Shri 1008 Swami Kailashanand Giri Ji Maharaj, who also addressed the event, spoke about the importance of Ayurvedic medicines.
Before the inauguration, CM Sai planted an Amla (Indian gooseberry) sapling in the unit’s premises. Forest Minister Kashyap planted a custard apple sapling, MP Shri Vijay Baghel planted a bael tree, and Swami Kailashanand Giri planted another custard apple sapling.
About the Ayurvedic Processing Unit
This initiative is a landmark in integrating Chhattisgarh’s rich forest resources with modern science and technology, fulfilling the “Forest to Pharmacy” vision. Built on 27.87 acres with an investment of ₹36.47 crore, the facility is expected to produce goods worth ₹50 crore annually.
Medicinal plants and forest produce like Mahua, Sal seeds, Kalmegh, Giloy, and Ashwagandha will be scientifically processed into powders, syrups, oils, tablets, and other high-quality products. The unit will become a flagship center under the ‘Chhattisgarh Herbals’ brand, promoting local products in national and international markets.
Over 2,000 people will receive direct and indirect employment, with significant participation from women. Youths will benefit from technical training, unlocking new livelihood opportunities. A modern warehouse with a 20,000 metric ton storage capacity has also been established, ensuring long-term preservation and quality control of seasonal forest produce.
The project aligns with PM Modi’s ‘Vocal for Local’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ vision, supporting local value addition, environmental balance, economic growth, and social inclusion.
CM Shows Compassion: Personally Gifts Footwear
A touching moment occurred when CM Sai lovingly helped a beneficiary, Smt. Shakuntala Kurreti from Balod district, wear her Charan Paduka (footwear) with his own hands. Inspired by his gesture, Forest Minister and other dignitaries followed suit, presenting footwear personally to other beneficiaries — Smt. Vaijayanti Kurreti, Smt. Nirmala Uike, Smt. Lalita Uike, and Smt. Aghanthin Usendi.
Attendees
The event was attended by MP Shri Vijay Baghel; MLAs Shri Doman Lal Korsawara, Shri Sampat Lal Agrawal, Shri Lalit Chandrakar, Shri Gajendra Yadav, and Shri Rikesh Sen; former Minister Smt. Ramshila Sahu; former MLA Shri Daya Ram Sahu; Mahamandaleshwar Shri Shri 1008 Swami Kailashanand Giri Ji Maharaj; Chairman of the State Tribal Health & Medicinal Plant Board Shri Vikas Markam; Chairman of the Forest Development Corporation Shri Ramsevak Paikra; Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Shri V. Shrinivas Rao; Managing Director of the Minor Forest Produce Federation Shri Anil Kumar Sahu; and Executive Chairman Shri S. Manikasagan.
