Our work in Maharashtra focuses on translating Community Forest Rights (CFR) into viable, market-linked livelihoods. In partnership with district administrations in Nandurbar, Gadchiroli, and Gondia, along with state institutions, we support community-led governance, women-owned producer companies (PCs), and market access for seasonal forest products (SFPs) such as bamboo, harra (harad), and beheda.
On 1 April 2025, we entered into a strategic partnership with Phoenix Foundation Sanstha to strengthen on-ground implementation and develop scalable models for bamboo-based livelihoods in rural Maharashtra. While we provide technical expertise, policy guidance, and project management support, Phoenix Foundation Sanstha leads coordination with local stakeholders. The partnership also focuses on generating field-based insights and developing approaches that can be refined and scaled over time.
Gadchiroli
In Nandurbar, in collaboration with the District Collector’s Office, our work focuses on strengthening local institutions, promoting women-owned enterprises, and improving market access for forest-based livelihoods. As part of this, we supported the formation of Toranadevi Jungle Producer Company Limited—Maharashtra’s first tribal women-owned, forest-based PC. Mobilising women across multiple villages, the company enables aggregation and sale of bamboo and other SFPs. Designed as a community-centred enterprise, the model ensures that a significant share of profits flows back to Community Forest Resource Management Committees (CFRMCs), while establishing formal market linkages. The company is now operational and has successfully facilitated bamboo sales.
Our work in Gadchiroli focuses on participatory resource mapping, identifying high-potential SFPs, and piloting community-based enterprise models. We are also developing a digital pipeline for automated Viksit Gram Panchayat Plans (VGPP) to support more efficient, data-driven local planning.
In Gondia, we are working with the district administration to improve forest-based income opportunities through stronger governance systems, enterprise support, and coordinated market engagement. The focus is on strengthening SFP value chains, enabling women-owned PCs, and improving convergence across institutions.
Nandurbar
Gondia
Toranadevi Jungle Producer Company Holds Its First Annual General Meeting in Nandurbar, Maharashtra
From Rights to Markets: BIPP–ISB and DC Office, Nandurbar, Join Hands for Tribal Forest Livelihoods in Maharashtra
A Historic First: Bamboo Sale from Community Forest Rights Area Through a Tribal Women-Owned Producer Company
27.03.26
09.03.26
03.03.26
Our Work in Maharashtra
Maharashtra’s First Tribal Women-Owned, Forest-Based Producer Company Formed in Nandurbar District
Making Rights Legible: Demarcating Community Forest Rights in Nandurbar, Maharashtra
Maharashtra's Forest Economy: Bamboo as a Catalyst for Rural Development
31.12.25
17.11.25
20.09.25
