How Tribal Women of Nandurbar Are Becoming Entrepreneurs Through Forest Produce

When I visited Nandurbar for the first time, I expected to meet women who depended on forest work for survival. Instead, I met entrepreneurs. Confident, skilled, and full of determination — these tribal women are rewriting what it means to earn, grow, and lead in their communities. And the most inspiring part? Their journey begins with something as simple and natural as forest produce. Nandurbar, a region rich with resources like Mahua, Jamun, Honey, Karvanda, and other Minor Forest Produce (MFP), has always been deeply connected to the tribal lifestyle. What has changed in recent years is the opportunity. Earlier, women collected forest products only to sell them to middlemen for very low prices. But with the rise of Van Dhan Kendras, tribal clusters, and training programs, their skills have turned into sustainable micro-businesses.
During my visit to one of the Van Dhan units, I saw groups of women sorting Mahua flowers, cleaning seeds, processing honey, and preparing natural powders with incredible discipline. They were not just working — they were running a business. One woman proudly told me, “Earlier we only collected and sold raw material. Now we process it, pack it, and decide our price.” Her voice carried pride that can only come from independence. What impressed me the most was how these women have developed a deep understanding of quality. They explained how drying Mahua flowers properly ensures better selling rates, how natural filtration makes honey more valuable, and how hygienic packaging increases trust among buyers. These are not just skills — they are business strategies. The earnings have changed their lives too. Many women shared how they now contribute to household expenses, pay school fees, or save small amounts each month. One woman said, “When we earn, our whole family benefits.” This shift from dependency to contribution is the beginning of true empowerment.
These initiatives have also created leadership. Women who once hesitated to speak in groups now handle meetings, maintain records, coordinate supplies, and train new members. They understand the market, the demand for natural products, and the importance of sustainable harvesting. Their confidence is visible in the way they talk, walk, and plan for the future.
What makes this transformation even more meaningful is that it strengthens the bond between people and the forest. Sustainable harvesting practices ensure that the forest continues to thrive while providing steady income. For these women, the forest is not just a place of work — it is their partner in progress.
At Shabari Naturals, we have seen this change closely. When a bottle of Mahua oil or a jar of honey reaches your home, it carries more than just purity. It carries the effort, the learning, and the dreams of the women who made it possible.
These tribal women of Nandurbar are not just earning — they are building a future where their daughters will grow up seeing