31.12.25

Maharashtra’s First Women-Owned Producer Company Formed in Nandurbar District

A historic milestone in women-led forest livelihoods has been reached in Maharashtra with the formation of the Tornadevi Jungle Producer Company Limited, the first women-owned producer company (PC) in the state. Officially incorporated on 30 December 2025 under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, it is based in the Dhadgaon block of Nandurbar district and rooted in the collective strength of women from forest-dependent communities.

The journey began on 18 November 2025, with a foundational meeting in Toranmal village. The session was designed to identify the prospective Board of Directors and promoters who would lead the company’s registration process. The orientation focused on the PC model, exploring the women’s knowledge of Community Forest Rights (CFR), local bamboo resources, and the systemic challenges faced by their communities.

Over the following 2 months, the formation process became a strong example of collective action. 41 women were mobilised through the Mahila Arthik Vikas Mahamandal (MAVIM) and the Maharashtra State Rural Livelihood Mission (MSRLM), representing 8 villages—Toranmal, Sindhidigarh, Bhadal, Kelapani, Leghapani, Kotbandhni, Jhapi, and Nagziri. Through a transparent and self-driven process, participants elected the women they believed were best suited to lead the PC.

As part of the legal formalities, 10 women from these villages completed their Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) registrations, ensuring proper representation for the company’s incorporation. Promoters from remote villages, such as Jhapi and Sindhidigarh, known for poor road connectivity, demonstrated exceptional commitment by continuing to participate despite geographical constraints.

The PC builds on existing community expertise. Several of the newly elected leaders are active members of Community Forest Resource Management Committees (CFRMCs), ensuring that community-led forest protection and governance remain central to the company’s functioning.

By leveraging the rich bamboo resources of Nandurbar district, the PC aims to strengthen forest-based livelihoods for tribal women and create a formal structure for the harvest, value addition, and sale of bamboo.

With the Certificate of Incorporation, Permanent Account Number (PAN), and Tax Deduction and Collection Account Number (TAN) now secured, the company is set to begin operations. Its formation represents a shift towards a women-led, community-owned enterprise model that brings together traditional forest knowledge, sustainable resource use, and new economic opportunities.