In a significant push for rural and tribal economic development, Gadchiroli Collector Avishyyant Panda has issued directives to expedite the mahua processing initiative in Korchi taluka. The move is positioned as a critical pathway to ensuring steady livelihoods for local families by adding value to minor forest produce.
Focus on Value Addition and Market Access
During a visit to the taluka on Tuesday, Collector Panda inspected the operational mahua processing unit run by the Gond Guard Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO) in Korchi. This unit was established under an "ajivika cluster" funded by the District Planning Committee (DPC). Officials reported that the facility has now entered the production phase, actively generating employment and adding value to the raw produce.
The core objective is to channel benefits directly to the local mahua collectors, farmers, and their families. Panda instructed the administration and the FPO to concentrate on securing robust market access for the value-added mahua products. He emphasized the need to strengthen the entire marketing chain to boost sales, alongside improving packaging and branding strategies. A specific push for effective e-marketing was also advised to widen the outreach of these products.
Administrative Review and Infrastructure Checks
Following the unit inspection, Collector Panda chaired a comprehensive review meeting at the Korchi tehsil office with heads of all key departments. The meeting took stock of pending work across multiple sectors including revenue, agriculture, health, public works, nagar panchayat, education, and rural development. He directed officials to clear pending tasks on a priority basis and to plan new works with a focus on beneficiaries and strict timelines.
As part of his tour, Panda also assessed ongoing infrastructure projects. He reviewed the construction of classrooms and a laboratory at the Government Ashram School in Korchi, urging officials to speed up completion. He ordered immediate arrangements for a reliable drinking water supply on the campus.
Addressing Healthcare and Land Issues
At the Korchi rural hospital, the Collector pointed out the absence of a separate stock room for medicines. He instructed the medical officers to prepare and submit a construction proposal for the facility at the earliest. Furthermore, he inspected the proposed site for an Eklavya Model Residential School and called for a swift resolution to any pending land-related issues.
The Collector's extensive tour also included visits to several other sites: an Audio-Visual Anganwadi centre at Jambhli, an MGNREGS cement-concrete road work site, a women's self-employment sales centre stall, and the "Maa ki Roti" initiative operated by the Durga Adivasi Mahila self-help group. He also examined a scrub forest de-listing case at Bedgaon.
The visit was attended by Additional Collector Nitin Gavande, Sub-Divisional Officer (Kurkheda) Prasannajit Pradhan, along with other district and taluka-level officers.
