Udaipur: On the occasion of the Holi festival, a special exhibition and sale of herbal products manufactured by Van Dhan Vikas Kendras operating across Rajasthan was inaugurated at the headquarters of Rajasthan Tribal Area Development Cooperative Federation (RAJASANGH), Government of Rajasthan, located at Pratap Nagar, Udaipur.
The stalls showcased a variety of forest-based products, including herbal gulal, wild honey, herbal soaps, safed musli, different types of traditional syrups, and other minor forest produce items. These products, prepared using traditional tribal knowledge and natural resources, attracted significant attention.
Local consumers appreciated the quality of the products and showed encouraging demand. In particular, herbal gulal was widely praised as a safe and eco-friendly alternative to chemical-based colors commonly used during Holi.
Assistant Manager Rajneesh Kumar Meena informed that the Van Dhan Vikas Kendra initiative is an important program operated by the department, focusing on the collection, value addition, and marketing of minor forest produce. At present, around 530 Van Dhan Vikas Kendras are actively functioning across Rajasthan, providing tribal families with opportunities for self-employment and income generation.
Under the Van Dhan scheme, tribal self-help groups are provided with training, equipment, and marketing support. This enables them to process raw forest produce into marketable finished products. The initiative ensures proper utilization of local resources while enhancing income levels and promoting the economic empowerment of tribal communities.
In Rajasthan, Van Dhan Vikas Kendras have emerged not only as a means of livelihood enhancement but also as a strong example of promoting the spirit of “Vocal for Local.” Initiatives like these during festivals such as Holi help tribal products reach a wider market while increasing public awareness about natural and indigenous products.
Officials and staff of Rajasangh, representatives from Rajeevika, including Rakshit Chittora, and members of the public were present at the event.