Boko, May 30: In the remote border village of Hahim along the Assam-Meghalaya border, nearly 50 tribal women are transforming their lives from forest gatherers to aspiring entrepreneurs through the Van Dhan Value Addition Programme under the Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Vikas Mission.
For years, women in the area depended on selling raw forest produce such as honey, herbs, tamarind and jackfruit in local markets for meagre earnings. Today, many of them are learning to turn these resources into value-added products, including soaps, papad, bakery items and incense sticks — opening up new income opportunities in one of the region’s economically backward pockets.
The training programme, conducted by the Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship with support from TRIFED and the Assam Plain Tribes Development Corporation, aims to blend traditional tribal knowledge with modern business and marketing skills.
“Earlier, we thought forest produce was only for household use or small local sales. Now we realise it can become a business,” said Anamika Rabha, one of the participants. “This training has given us confidence to dream bigger.”
Trainers involved in the programme said the initiative focuses not only on production skills but also on packaging, branding and market access so that tribal women can compete beyond local markets.
“These women already had deep knowledge of forest resources. We are helping them convert that knowledge into sustainable livelihoods,” trainer Renu Deuri said.
The programme has sparked growing interest among women in the area, many of whom are now planning to form self-help groups and launch small-scale enterprises collectively. Some participants also said they wanted to pass on the skills to younger girls in their communities.
Officials associated with the initiative said the programme reflects a broader push to strengthen tribal livelihoods through forest-based entrepreneurship and local value addition.
In villages where employment opportunities remain limited, the Van Dhan initiative has emerged as more than just a skill-development programme. For many women in Hahim, it represents financial independence, confidence and a chance to build a more secure future for their families.
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