Uttarakhand women earn a living out of forest produce

Chamoli (Uttrakhand), Sep 8 (ANI): Women of Chamoli district in Uttarakhand are rolling out herbal incense sticks and coal under the guidance of the district's forest department.

They have formed various self-help groups to reap profits out of herbal environment friendly incense sticks and coal from leaves.

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Aranyam, an eco and herbal centre in the district has appointed a few self-help groups to roll out these items.

The incense sticks are being prepared from lemongrass whereas the fallen leaves of Cheer Trees, which spreads fire in the forest are being utilised to making coal. Such attempt also helps in avoiding such fire related incidents in the forest area.

" Till this date, people were dependent only on agriculture but to improve our economic and living conditions, we have started such self help programs. Here we make coal and incense sticks," said Bina Rawat, woman belonging to a self-help group.

On a regular basis, these women prepare around 1000 packets of incense sticks. They claim to generate enough income.

"We have been benefited a lot as we earn enough money after selling the incense sticks and the coal," said Sunita Devi, another women.

Every woman earns almost 70 to100 rupees in a day.

The forest department official of the district said that such centre has been established to provide employment opportunities to people by utilising the forest produces.

"This centre has been established while keeping in mind to provide employment opportunities to people through the forest produce," said Sanatan, District Forest Officer, Alaknanda forest department, Chamoli.

In a way, these herbal items benefit both the ecology and the people but it still awaits recognition by the government. (ANI)