Kisaan school of Chattisgarh

 Chhattisgarh's First Kisaan School

Baheradih village of Janjgir Champa district of Chhattisgarh has made its identity all over the country and it doesn't needs introduction anymore. Chhattisgarh first Kisan school is being opened here and very soon it has become a model for farmers across the country. The school is excelling not only in farming and farmer's training but also generating employment opportunities for the villagers.

The Man Behind

On 23 December, 2021, a progressive former named Deendayal Yadav of Baheradih village of baloda block of Janjgir Champa district lead the foundation of first Kisan school in Chhattisgarh on the occasion of Kisan Divas. Deendayal Yadav has been experimenting on vegetables since 2010-11 and those efforts became fruitful with the opening of Kisan school in 2021. The School has been a role model for farmers as it is carrying out new and innovative experiments on crops and vegetables with the help of Agriculture department and the process is still in progress. 

The Journey of  Innovation

Farmer Deendayal narrates his story " In 2012, I got a sample of half kilogram Australian Eisenia Fetida earthworm for vermicomposting from Agriculture department. " Afterwards he himself  started producing these earthworms . At present he has produced more than 12 quintals of earthworms and earned more than 12 lakhs by selling them. Also 8 lakh rupees have been earned by making vermicompost with those earthworms. He is also supplying these earthworms and vermicompost to government "Gothans". He is facing excess demand for them. 

The Journey Ahead

This is not the end of the journey  it is only one aspect of it. The School has patented not only 36 kinds of vegetables including Aamari, Chench and Chaulai bhaji but also many varieties of rice. The farmers are not only getting training in organic farming but they are also learning to make organic compost here which is proving to be greatly beneficial in the farming of vegetables and other plants like moringa, papaya, mango and lemon.

Courses Run in School

Any farmer of any age can enroll in various courses running in the school free of cost . Apart from vermicomposting and production of earthworms there are various schools of learning like mushroom production ,dairy farming, vegetable farming ,biogas plant setup, terrace gardening, poultry farming, pisciculture , apiculture, organic pesticide production, animal fodder production and farmer rights protection information. The school will provide training to farmers as per their field of interest. 

Milestones

The school's achievements doesn't stop here. It has fabricated jackets and rakhis through the fibres of amari and chench bhaji  and banana. The school is also experimenting on four layer system of farming of fruits and vegetables. In 2013, Australian farmer Krrish and his wife Merilina has visited the school as a part of the research on organic farming. Many farmers from US and Australia have visited the school from time to time. 

Talent needs no recognition rather it makes its own identity like a Shining Star among innumerable stars in the sky. This is applicable for Deendayal Yadav - the founder of Kisan School, a man dedicated for selfless service in the field of farming.

 Bastar se Baazar tak - The Story Behind

Bastar se Bazaar tak - the name has gained so popularity that it doesn't needs introduction. An innovative startup from Chhattisgarh - a densely forested state from central India which is rapidly making it's identity in the field of startup's and innovations. The social enterprise is aiming to generate employment oppurtunities for the rural women especially to poorest rural women in interior areas of southern Chhattisgarh. The enterprise is managing post harvest produce by making various processed food products after collection from forest and making arrangements for their marketing.

An Introduction to the Founders

Haresh kashyap is a progressive farmer who is a role model for his fellow farmers known for his down to earth nature and progressive practices in farming since 30 years. He is basically a self motivated learner believing in adopting various practices for experimentation. He is the main brain behind this venture and also the founder taking charge of planning and operations of the venture.

An alumni of Azim Premji University and a self inspired, goal oriented person, Satendra Singh Lilhare is the Co Founder of Bastar se Baazar tak. He has an experience of 7 years as a freelancer and possess great zeal to work with marginal farmers, poor and neglected sections of society in the remotest part of the country. He has much experience in working at grassroot level in farming and farm based products and passionate about working in this field. He is managing and executing all the operations at the venture.

Collaborations

Bastar se Bazaar tak has got seed funding from many organizations as well as collaborated with many institutions due to it's noble cause. Upaya Social venture and women on Wings are one of them. Upaya has join hands with the venture to facilitate funds for the expansion of their bussiness whereas Women on Wings has collaborated with them to create more employment opprtunities for poor and marginal women as the venture has mostly poor women workers.

The Working  

The Chhattisgarh based enterprise is working to improve the economic condition of poor forest dwellers and the tribal community by managing the post harvest losses, making of high quality forest produce and providing the same to urban people at reasonable rate. Bastar se Baazar tak is promoting the  high quality, unadulterated products made from Jamun, tamarind ,custard Apple and and make herbal gulal too. The members of the community are collecting custard apple and jamun from forest and prepare products like squash ,slice, kulfi and shots from them in their central processing unit. The products can be consumed upto 18 months from packaging. They claim that the products are free from any chemicals. They will start processing tamarind soon and make products from it.

Funding and Prizes

Bastar se Baazar tak is the winner of  Tata Social Enterprise Challenge 2020-21, a joint initiative of Tata group and Indian Institute of Management, Kolkata bagging a seed funding of Rs. 5 lakhs at Kolkata Innovation Park. Satendra Singh Lilhare has also won Chhattisgarh MSME Resilience Award 2021 given by Chattisgarh Government in the category of livelihood enterprises for his venture. The Incubation centre of Indira Gandhi krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur has also given a grant of 25 lakhs under Udbhav Yojana for the entrepreneurs working in the field of farming and related products whose products are ready to use.

The venture is not only creating employment opportunities for these poor people in the densely forested area but also making a difference in their lives. The venture is creating employment for nearly 300 women for 90 days and hope to extend these opportunities even more. the headquarter of the enterprise is situated at Lakhanpuri in East Bastar. Hats off to the entrepreneurs and their efforts capable of creating a difference in the lives of the poor people.

 

 Innovative Startups in Chhattisgarh

Namrata Diwakar and Ravikant Soni, these names may not be very popular but soon they are going to be set a benchmark in the field of innovations in textiles and medicated fabrics in Chhattisgarh. This pharmacist couple has prepared a natural scented fabric from waste of lemongrass, citronella and rice hay which is insect repellent in nature. This fabric has a particular smell which is capable of repelling mosquitoes, lizards and other insects. This unique fabric cures depression also.

Journey of Research

It seems to be so lucrative but the journey of the innovation was not so easy. It took almost 6 years research for the production of this fabric. Namrata along with Ravikant are pharmacy graduates. When the idea of making medicated fabric sparked in their mind, there was absolutely no background support for it. After extensive research they were first able to manufacture fabric made of lemongrass and citronella whose smell lasted for one year. Slowly when they advanced in their research, the sweet smell developed in the fabric is now lasting for 3 to 5 years. The cloth is so aromatic in nature that as we enter in a room with curtains or bedsheets made of this material, our mind get refreshed and tension free and there are ample proofs of this research.

The Journey Ahead

After extensive research the challenge ahead was designing an appropriate machine for its production. There was no machine present in the market which can produce yarn for this fabric. They contacted various top engineering colleges and IIT'S of various states for machine design but didn't succeeded. Finally they purchased various parts of machine from various places and assembled them to make the final model of machine. They developed three prototype models before arriving at the final model. The final model is capable of spinning , extraction and smoothening of yarn which is then sent to Rajkot for production of fabric. For developing the machine, the innovators contacted artisans across eight states including IIT Kharagpur experts. The machine costed around 12 to 15 lacs and it can produce about 12000 meters of cloth in a day. They have patented both the fabric and the machine. 

Ravikant told that they are collecting raw material from Pondicherry and Uttar Pradesh ,not limiting their suppliers to one place. The agriculture college has also helped them a lot by setting up a plant in 30 Acres in Koria from where they collect plants.

The Success Story

Namrata while talking, told that during studies she came across medicinal plants. Using this as a core idea, they started their startup of Rayush Naturals. They got a total of 22 lakhs fund from various Institutions like IGKV, Startup India ,Seed Global accelerator Network and others. Ravikant told that their product details are also available at the James portal of Central Government. Also they have got orders for curtains of their fabric for the incubation centre being developed by Gujarat government in association with Central government . At present they are fabricating curtains, cushions and carpets. The prominent dancer Mallika Sarabhai- the daughter of Vikram Sarabhai has also contacted them for ordering curtains. They have also visited Dubai Expo in February 2022 with the help of Central Government where they were contacted by a Hotel Manager. 

At present the innovators are focusing at premium customers as the average cost of fabric is more. They are exploring more options for export. Nature lovers also have an excellent opportunity to try this fabric. 

Innovation is not overnight, it is a journey in itself. The various milestones of the journey are actually the stepping stones of success and the destination is self fulfilling in itself which is shown by the story of Rayush naturals.

 

Entrepreneurs of Chhattisgarh

Who is not fond of chocolates? On the occasion of chocolate day, when sharing of chocolates is at the peak , who bothers that most of the chocolates contain excess sugar which is not good for health. The sugar free chocolates available in market have also added Chemicals and preservatives in them.

Ever thought of a sugar free chocolate made up of immunity booster herbs? If not, here is the moment to feel proud. Three youngsters of Raipur City - Gaurav Kumar, Amrit Nahar and Anand are together, making sugar free chocolates with natural herbs. Other than that, they are also making 50% sugar free candies. The uniqueness of the project is that they haven't used any chemicals to make these candies. For sweetness they are using Stevia which is multiple times sweeter than sugar.

The Journey of Herbal chocolates

For raw materials they have chosen suppliers from different regions of the country like cocoa powder is being ordered from Kerala and rest of the materials are purchased from farmers of various districts of Chhattisgarh like Bemetara ,Raipur and Bastar.

They stressed that these chocolates are not only immunity boosters but also helpful in increasing eyesight and memory. There startup JORCO has been funded by GEC Surat for further development.

Using herbs in chocolate

In a short talk Amrit told that they are using about 14 herbs like ashwagandha, Tulsi ,badi elaichi ,Giloy, Pippali, clove, cinnamon, mulethi, javitri, black pepper, nutmeg and Kasturi turmeric in making chocolate. It is an interesting recipe not only for children but for elderly and diabetic patients also.

Success story of making of herbal chocolate it is not so easy. The team is working on this project since 6 months and they finally succeeded to make the chocolate after 25 failures. The main problem in making chocolate was the sweetening agent. When dried stevia leaves were initially added along with cocoa powder, nuts, milk solids and green foods, the chocolate became bitter in taste. Then they  tried using stem and various parts of stevia plant and finally succeeded.

The chocolate is available in different flavours like Leechi, orange, herbs, Kacchi keri, mango and jaljeera. The story is in itself an example for all young entrepreneurs who wish to do something innovative as well as inspiring for society also.

 

 Startup India - The shining Bastar

Those who get fueled up by innovations and entrepreneurship, Startup India is not a new name for them. But what about startups from a remote area like Bastar-Dantewada, from a small state like Chhattisgarh, revolutionizing the lives of many people at the mass level?

The story of Dennex

The story of  Dennex brand of Dantewada is a milestone in itself in a place which is known for Maoists and Naxalites. It reflects the true picture of progress of Startup India vision, full of hope and inspiration. Chhattisgarh first own brand of clothing has been introduced by setting up a garment factory in the haram village of Dantewada under the brand name Dennex means Dantewada next.

The clothes are being sewed in the factory by village women only. Once prepared , they will be sent in markets throughout the country. About 300 men and women from the village are working in the factory in two shifts.The program aims to provide employment to around 2,000 people.

In a small interview,Collector Deepak Soni told that he wish to make Dantewada, a garment hub. The employment is generated in systematic steps. In first stage training is imparted to new people.   In the second stage, the woman already expert in stitching are trained to make shirts, kurtas and masks.

Providing market

In order to provide a market to these products government has signed a MOU with many government and non-government organizations. It includes MOU for CRPF soldiers, MOU for uniform of NMDC staff and MOU with TRIFED and other garment companies.

Keeping a close eye on the response for Dennex factory in haram village of Dantewada, government aims to open new Dennex outlets at Bacheli, Dantewada and Barsoor also. There is a very inspiring atmosphere in Dantewada related to employment now a day. Apart from garments, handicraft and minor forest produce are also being manufactured here under the brand name Dennex.

Mahua processing hub of Bastar – Dantewada

Mahua, also known as honey flower or butter flower is a tropical tree of Indian origin. It is found largely in plains and forests of central and northern India. Largely found in Bastar, it is being used by tribes to make liquor.

Bastar so far known for Mahua , a flower used for making liquor,is now changing its identity. This change is brought about by Sangwari  Samooh, a  self-help group of women of Dantewada. It is a group of about 30 women which have together established Mahua processing hub in the naxal town Dantewada. They are preparing cookies, halwa, jelly, jam, chunks, Mahua  Kada ,tamarind sauce, jaggery powder and cashew powder here. The group aims to provide employment to about hundred women with increasing demand and supply.

Women associated with this group are too happy to be a part of it. The group has earned about 1.5 lacs in just one week .This innovation not only emerged as a financial support to them but boosted their self-confidence as an independent entrepreneur. The product demand is increasing day by day and helping them to improve their financial condition, giving their children a better upbringing and also spent on health issues.

 

Starts Up Of Chattisgarh

Unique Startup in Bastar - the unheard story

Ever heard of a startup investing in brooms ( jhadu) and which is generating a monthly income of 20 lakhs? The fact that these brooms are made in the most remote and geographically inaccessible area of Bastar district of Chattisgarh makes it even more interesting. Hardly a few of you may be knowing about Aboojhmaad area of Chattisgarh known for it's dense evergreen tropical forests. It is spread over 4000 square km in Chattisgarh covering Narayanpur, Bijapur and Dantewada district. It is the home to many indigenous tribes like Gond, Muria, Abujmaria and Halbaas. 

This region is rich in mineral deposits and a large amount of iron ore is being digged from Bailadila region of this area but the native people still remain isolated from the outside world. The Aboojhmaad is known for it's highly inaccessible nature with little or almost no presence of civil adminitration or government activities. 

Geographically also it is being separated by Indravati river from Bastar. In 2008, it was proposed to declare it as biosphere reserve by Government  of India: Because they these reasons, it is a major hub to naxalites  popularly known as Maoists.

 But the beauty lies somewhere else, hats off to the spirit of SDO Ashish Kotarwani who helped out the tribes in their startup by purchasing 900 quintals of jhadu from them. The story starts from Hitulwada village in the Orchha region near a river where the tribal women started their startup of making jhadu by a special kind of grass growing in this area called Tilgum in local language. Later on about hundred families this joined this small but unique venture.

 When the popularity of these jhadu increased, they were improvised even more by Mahila Swa Sahayata Samooh of Narayanpur district and the design was made even better. A MOU was signed by TRIFED to government and the product was sold countrywide especially in the capital city Delhi. A unique example of a beautiful startup from zero. Saluting the spirit and hard work of the tribals but more appreciable is the work done by government to generate employment for them and providing market to them for their welfare and living.

Another interesting Story

Yet another inspiring short story to be listen. This little state has some other significant startups also to be mentioned. Among top agricultural universities of country, stands the first agriculture university of Chattisgarh named Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya(IGKV).  The university has an incubation centre called "Raftaar Agribusiness Incubator" in which two startup programs namely Udbhav and Abhinav are run  in which selected startups are given chance to showcase there talent. The centre first provides training to the selected entrepreneurs for two months and then their plan is kept for proposal in front of central incubation committee. 

One can wonder how a fabric can be made through khas, a type of grass used in making cooling pads in room coolers  in summer. Ravikant Soni and Namrata Diwakar are two such people which are working on a project to make fabric from khas. 

As khas is popular for it's natural cooling property, the curtains made from it will be cooling the houses and lowering the room temperature during summer time. It will have its natural aroma and at the same time eco-friendly also. At present the thickness of the fabric is 3-5 mm which is to be furthur reduced. After preparing prototype, getting raw material for making fabric and making a machine for it was challenging as well. The plan also proposes making clothes from Khas. An awesome ecofriendly approach!