Hyderabad: Tribal Welfare Minister Adluri Laxman Kumar on Friday said the Telangana government was preparing a comprehensive Mahua flower project to strengthen tribal livelihoods and improve economic self-reliance in tribal regions.
Addressing a workshop on implementation of the Mahua Flower Project at the Dr B.R. Ambedkar Telangana Secretariat, the minister said the government aimed to transform forest resources into sustainable income opportunities for tribal communities.
Panchayat Raj Minister Seethakka and Rajya Sabha member Vem Narender Reddy attended the workshop and reviewed the project proposals.
Adluri Laxman Kumar said the government was focusing on improving livelihoods of tribal women, farmers, youth and particularly vulnerable tribal groups.
He stated that the Mahua flower played an important role in tribal culture, food traditions and the rural economy in forest regions.
Mahua flower project to support rural industries
The minister said the government was exploring opportunities to use Mahua flowers beyond traditional consumption.
He said officials were studying possibilities in food products, medicinal uses, value-added industries and rural micro-enterprises.
Additionally, the government plans to develop scientific systems for collection, storage, processing and marketing of Mahua flowers in tribal regions.
The minister said these measures would help tribal families secure stable income opportunities.
He also said the government planned to involve tribal women’s groups, self-help groups and youth associations in the project to increase employment opportunities at the village level.
Furthermore, the minister stated that the government was protecting tribal rights over forest resources while improving living standards through integrated policies.
Mahua flower project focuses on women empowerment
Adluri Laxman Kumar said the project would address poverty reduction, nutrition security, women empowerment and employment generation for tribal youth.
He stressed the importance of increasing the value of forest produce to strengthen the rural economy.
The minister added that the Telangana government, under Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, was giving top priority to tribal welfare and sustainable employment generation in tribal areas.
He also directed officials to implement pilot projects in coordination with different departments before expanding the programme across the state.
Mahua flower project explores food products
Speaking at the workshop, Panchayat Raj Minister Seethakka said Mahua flowers could become a strong source of economic self-reliance for tribal families.
She said Mahua flowers could be used to prepare laddus, natural health foods and traditional food products.
Seethakka added that Mahua seeds also offered opportunities for oil production.
Moreover, she suggested exploring nutritional products, healthy snacks for children, millet-based foods, herbal teas and natural sweeteners using Mahua flowers.
She advised officials to provide training to women’s groups and promote Tribal Natural Food Brands in the market.
The minister further suggested establishing mini processing units in tribal villages and encouraging tribal youth to enter the startup sector.