Vol. 12, Issue 11 (2023)

Author(s):
Rahul Sahu and Dushyant Pandey

Abstract:
Tamarindus indica L., commonly known as tamarind, is a multipurpose long-lived tree best known for its fruit. Tamarind is one of the most important spices in Indian food due to its sweet and sour test. Tamarind fruit pulp has been an important culinary ingredient in India for a very long time. Around 21430 metric tons of Tamarind is produced annually in Basar region of Chhattisgarh state. During the last few years, demand of processed products of tamarind has been increased at urban as well as city market. So, the tamarind can be easily transformed in various value-added as well as in convenient forms. The higher production should be transformed into value added products and is present need across the globe. Considering this phenomenon targeted tribal people are trained and enabled in this direction. Therefore, by involving scientific intervention by Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Bastar working in area of improving the livelihood of farmers, an effort has been made to enhance income source of tribal farmers. The women of three Self-Help Groups (SHGs) of viz. Maa Lakshi, Bajrangbali and Maa Parvati of block-Bastanar from Bastar region of Chhattisgarh, were trained for utilization of tamarind into production of various value-added products. Hygienic, good quality, nutritious tamarind bricks and sweet-sour tamarind candy malt were prepared by the groups and sold via local wholesale system. Remarkable result revealed and earned profit worth of INR 85 to 400 from per kg of the processed products. This effort has shown a way for enhancing the economic potential of tribal farmers in the Bastar region.