How a Forest Flower Helped This Jharkhand Village Move From Liquor Brewing to Making Laddus

Every year, as the first batch of Mahua flowers began to bloom and fall in the dense forests of Jharkhand’s Bokaro district, a conflict would erupt over who would collect the flowers. The flower was used by villagers in Uda Majhlitand to brew liquor for generations. This activity sustained their livelihood.

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Today, the same forest tells a different story – one of unity, empowerment, and transformation. 

A flower that was once used to brew liquor is today used to make pickles and sweets. All thanks to SAMVAD, an NGO that aims to cultivate sustainable solutions through grassroots governance in tribal communities and Climate Asia.

Laldeep Soren, a resident of the village, shares, “In the late 1990s, we had formed a forest committee, but it involved only a few people from the village. There was no strategy or a shared mission for mahua collection. The jungle was our primary livelihood, yet we were splintered.”

Brewing liquor using Mahua was a traditional practice and had cultural significance. “It was also used as fodder for animals and did not have much economic value to us,” Laldeep recalls.

While the villagers relied heavily on traditional practices, they missed out on the potential wealth of the untapped resources. The turning point came with the empowerment of the Gram Sabha (village assembly), under SAMVAD’s guidance.

From liquor to laddus: Redefining the use of mahua

As per the PESA (Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996, the Gram Sabhas were envisioned in Jharkhand. The Act aimed to empower local self-governance by revitalising traditional gram sabhas in these regions.

Encouraged by SAMVAD, the villagers in Uda Majhlitand took a pivotal step: they strengthened Gram Sabhas, prompting the entire community to become stakeholders in decision-making processes traditionally dominated by influential members of forest committees.

With newfound unity, the Gram Sabha conducted a comprehensive survey, identifying a staggering 12,800 mahua trees within the village boundaries. They demarcated these trees according to land records, ensuring clarity of ownership: a move that would align responsibility with conservation.

The founding member and secretary of SAMVAD Ghanshyam explains, “We identified and allocated mahua trees among the families. With this new system, families collect mahua only from their allocated trees. This helped prevent conflicts among residents.” 

This wasn’t just about allocation; it was about accountability. “With the new system in place, every villager developed a sense of responsibility towards their trees. For the first time, conservation became a village-wide endeavour,” shares Ghanshyam.

A dedicated register was prepared to record the duties and responsibilities of each villager. A schedule was in place to ensure the trees were well guarded by the people. 

As conflict changed to cordial coexistence, the villagers began exploring diverse economic opportunities with the flower. What was once used only for making liquor is now processed into a range of sweets (laddu) and pickles.

This transition bore fruit swiftly.

Last year, the villagers collectively earned Rs 12.5 lakh from forest produce sales. “Families now earn between Rs 60,000 to 80,000 annually,” Ghanshtam proudly explains.

Recalling the positive ripple effects within the community, Laldeep says, “Earlier, we had no income; today we have steady growth because of the opportunities. My own family has 25 trees, and the income we get has transformed our lives. My children are studying in a hostel outside our village, in Tenughat. Providing them education was a distant dream; now it is a reality.”

Strengthening community bonds with nature’s bounty

The real magic was how the village embraced togetherness. Laldeep says, “A system is in place, and with it came a strong sense of brotherhood among us. Villagers now appreciate and care for the local herbs we once neglected. We are recognising the full potential of nature’s gifts.”

What was once primarily used for liquor has shifted towards boosting the villagers' livelihood and improving health. 

SAMVAD is now working towards making cookies and exploring other innovative uses of the forest produce, including disposable plates with Sal Tree leaves, and cocoon rearing.

For over a decade, SAMVAD’s efforts revolved around self-governance, self-reliance, and protection of tribal dignity. This was implemented through organic farming and organising gram sabhas. “For us, the forest is life,” reflects Ghanshyam. “If we save our forests, we save our environment, water, and lives.”

Collaboration with Climate Asia

SAMVAD’s partnership with Climate Asia, over the last three years, has been instrumental in understanding and bridging gaps between local needs and global climate goals. 

Climate Asia, is an organisation that focuses on tackling climate challenges. SAMVAD engaged with the organisation to ensure the forests were preserved by strengthening civil society’s capacity.

Satyam Vyas, founder and CEO of Climate Asia, says, “At Climate Asia, the belief is that impactful climate solutions begin at the grassroots level, where community leadership fosters lasting change. We equip Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), who work with villagers, with tools, knowledge, and networks, providing technical assistance, policy engagement strategies, and capacity building,” he shares.

“Platforms like pitch forums and dialogues help bypass institutional barriers, empowering organisations like SAMVAD to embed climate adaptation into their programs and amplify their reach and resources. By adopting these methods, we enable organisations to scale community-driven, evidence-based climate solutions effectively,” adds Satyam.

Through this partnership, Ghanshyam explains, “We have gained a deeper understanding of climate challenges and have developed practical frameworks to implement effective actions. It helps us understand and bridge the gap between local and global efforts on climate change, mitigating the climate crisis, and fostering skill development.”

These collaborations are fostering a new era where villages like Uda Majhlitand are not mere followers, but leaders steering environmental fortitude. Reflecting on the deeper meaning of the forest, Ghanshyam poetically remarks, “Jungle hi hamara jeevan hai, adivasi ke liye mahua unka ajeevika hai (the forest is our life, and through it, we thrive together).”