Rashmi Singh
Manupriya Sinha
ISHETA SIRCAR
Tanvi Chauhan
Nidhi Naik
Goa Institute of Management
Divya Singhal
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In the Bastar District of Chhattisgarh, a new business initiative called Bastar Food Firm & Consultancy Services (BFFCS) was born with the goal of bringing food technology, research, and development to the tribal territory of Bastar and its surrounding regions in Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana. In the aforementioned region, Mahua as an ingredient was predominantly utilized in the production of alcoholic beverages due to the absence of alternative and more beneficial applications, resulting in adverse health effects within the community and substantial wastage of valuable raw materials. BFFCS started making differentiated products such as Mahua Tea , Ladoo etc. using old tribal recipes but with modern food technology techniques that catered to enriching health as well as improving the livelihood of the community. The company fulfilled multiple SDG's such as SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) & SDG 17 (Partnership For Goals).
The company's mission is to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3) by providing great health benefits from its carefully developed products. It processes Mahua products using traditional tribal methods to optimize their health advantages. The business must, however, overcome the obstacle of getting consumers to use Mahua for health-promoting goods rather than the production of alcohol.
The company works with nearby tribal tribes to obtain raw resources, which furthers sustainable economic growth (SDG 8). By paying more than market rates for these resources, it improves local residents' standard of living and reduces needless migration. Furthermore, the corporation trains the local tribal workers in contemporary techniques, which improves their productivity and gives a significant portion of the workforce—85% or more—gainful employment.
The company has taken a new initiative to reduce the environmental impact of mahua harvesting. It has instructed farmers to use a net to harvest mahua instead of burning grasslands and plantations. This new method is more sustainable and beneficial for both the environment and the farmers.
Raziya Shaikh, an aspiring entrepreneur, embarked on a remarkable journey of unforeseen growth, driven by personal unemployment and a desire to create opportunities for herself and others in her region. She shared that "one day I thought why I am searching for the job, I should initiate something that helps other people in need of jobs. I also want to do something that is based on forest-based." She recognized the absence of established multinational corporations offering opportunities to young individuals and was determined to forge her own path. Her unwavering resolve to not rely on external job opportunities and her commitment to supporting her family while staying in her region fueled her vision to establish Bastar Food Firm & Consultancy Services.
Raziya's venture not only sought to address the employment gap but also aimed to tap into the natural resources abundant in the region. Her motivation extended beyond personal gain to make a positive impact on her community. She was deeply concerned about deforestation and the region's reliance on flora and afforestation without exploring alternative solutions. This concern led her to base her business on the rich natural resources found in the forest.
In essence, Raziya's entrepreneurial journey manisfested her determination to create opportunities where there were none and to address ecological concerns in her region. Bastar Food Firm & Consultancy Services was not just a business venture but a testament to Raziya's commitment to the environment and her community, providing job opportunities for local students and offering a sustainable path forward for the region's natural resources.
The company's short-term objectives encompass several key initiatives: first, the development of a range of innovative products featuring Mahua as a primary ingredient; second, enhancing their digital presence by recruiting skilled web designers and providing training; and third, actively promoting women's empowerment through the recruitment of more female employees.
In the long-term, the firm aspires to establish retail outlets utilizing a franchise model in the states of Jharkhand, Bihar, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh, with a particular focus on underserved regions. Additionally, the company aims to extend its services by providing consultancy and support to emerging startups within the agro-food sector.
Bastar Foods and Consultancy Services have made remarkable strides in its business endeavors, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to innovation, sustainability, and community development, all while adhering to and promoting key Sustainable Development Goals. It has provided employment to local women. The procurement of raw materials is cheap and easily available in bulk through the local people who are well versed with the forest where Mahua is present in abundance. Innovative food tech practices combined with traditional tribal recipes cater to a different segment that favour food and beverages that are healthy and tasty at the same time which has provided them with the benefit of earning revenues as well as diversifying into new segment with new products leading to long term sustainability of the business.
BFFCS is firmly committed to reducing its environmental footprint and stimulating the local economy. The company has implemented a range of strategies to address issues such as pollution and wildlife casualties in the surrounding forest areas. These efforts include guiding farmers in the utilization of nets for Mahua harvesting rather than resorting to plantation and grassland burning practices. Furthermore, Mahua collaborates closely with nearby tribal communities to procure raw materials, providing them with remuneration exceeding prevailing market rates and educating its workforce, which includes tribal members. These initiatives significantly contribute to the economic advancement of the region.
Additionally, there is a notable overall improvement in the well-being of local communities as their focus transitions from liquor production to alternative products like Mahua Tea, Ladoo, and Tamarind Chutney. This shift not only diversifies the local economy but also alleviates the need for individuals to migrate in search of employment opportunities, allowing them to stay with their families and earn a sustainable livelihood, thereby fostering economic growth in the region.
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In 2017, Bastar Food Firm & Consultancy Services (BFFCS) emerged as a novel business venture in the Bastar District of Chhattisgarh, aiming to bring food technology and research and development to the tribal region of Bastar and its neighboring areas in Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana. The brainchild behind this private enterprise was Raziya Shaikh, who envisioned providing high-level value-added services to address the burgeoning demands of the rapidly growing food industry in Bastar while focusing on human resource development.
