Bastar Imli: From Forest Tamarind to Value-Added Chhattisgarh Herbals Products
The forests of Bastar, Chhattisgarh, are home to a rich diversity of Minor Forest Produce (MFP), supporting forest-based livelihoods across the region. Among these valuable forest resources, Bastar Imli (tamarind) holds an important place. Known for its distinctive tangy flavour and versatility, tamarind is now moving beyond traditional collection towards processing and value addition through Van Dhan Vikas Kendras (VDVKs).
This transformation of tamarind into convenient, consumer-ready products demonstrates how forest produce can move through a larger value chain—from collection and processing to product development and marketing.
Bastar Imli: From Forest Produce to Value Addition
Bastar Division has a network of 52 Van Dhan Kendras, including two PVTG Van Dhan Vikas Kendras for the Abujhmadia community. More than 18,000 women group members are benefiting through the Van Dhan network.
Tamarind processing is an important part of this forest-based livelihood ecosystem. The Bastar action plan specifically identifies Imli processing among the activities to be further promoted through Van Dhan Vikas Kendras.
Women groups associated with VDVKs are also receiving interest-free financial support for forest-produce activities. During the current year, these groups have procured more than 1,000 quintals of tamarind for processing through Van Dhan Vikas Kendras.
This creates a journey that goes beyond the sale of raw tamarind:
Forest Collection → Sorting & Processing → Value Addition → Tamarind Products → Packaging → Market
Turning Bastar Imli into Consumer Products
Value addition gives the familiar flavour of tamarind new forms and uses. Under the wider Chhattisgarh Herbals product ecosystem, Bastar Imli reaches consumers through traditional value-added products such as Imli Candy, Imli Chutney and Imli Chapati/Bricks.
Imli Candy
Imli Candy transforms the naturally tangy taste of tamarind into an enjoyable ready-to-eat product. Its distinctive sweet-and-sour flavour makes it an appealing way to experience the traditional taste of tamarind in a convenient form.
By converting tamarind into a finished product such as candy, the value chain moves beyond raw forest produce and creates a product that can be packaged, branded and presented directly to consumers.
Explore the story of Imli Candy and Imli Chapati from Bastar.
Imli Chutney
Imli Chutney brings the classic tanginess of tamarind to everyday Indian food. Tamarind has traditionally been valued for the characteristic flavour it adds to different preparations, and a ready-to-use chutney makes this familiar taste more convenient for consumers.
As a value-added product, Imli Chutney also demonstrates how a locally collected forest resource can be transformed into a market-ready food product.
Discover more traditional flavours in the Chhattisgarh Herbals product collection.
Imli Chapati / Tamarind Bricks
Imli Chapati or Tamarind Bricks provide another practical form of processed tamarind. By preparing tamarind in a compact form, the produce becomes easier to handle, store and use for further culinary requirements.
It is a simple but effective example of primary value addition—giving forest produce a more organised and usable form before it reaches consumers or other markets.
Read more about Imli Chapati – the traditional tangy taste of Bastar.
Connecting Bastar Imli with Wider Markets
Processing alone is not enough to create a sustainable forest-based value chain. Market access is equally important.
The Bastar action plan proposes connecting Van Dhan Vikas Kendras with marketing activities, along with processing. It envisages strengthening local sales as well as expanding marketing opportunities in neighbouring states.
This is where Chhattisgarh Herbals can provide a consumer-facing identity to value-added products originating from Chhattisgarh’s forest resources.
From Bastar Imli collected in forest regions to Imli Candy, Imli Chutney and Imli Chapati/Bricks, the journey represents more than product development. It reflects an evolving forest-based value chain in which local produce is processed, transformed and connected with markets.
Explore Chhattisgarh Herbals to discover more natural, traditional and value-added products from the state.
From Bastar's Forests to Every Home
The story of Bastar Imli is ultimately a story of forest wealth meeting value addition.
Through Van Dhan Vikas Kendras, tamarind processing is creating opportunities to transform a familiar Minor Forest Produce into convenient and marketable products. With products such as Imli Candy, Imli Chutney and Imli Chapati/Bricks, Chhattisgarh Herbals can bring the distinctive taste and identity of Bastar Imli closer to consumers.
From the forests of Bastar to value-added products, every form of Imli carries forward the flavour and forest heritage of Chhattisgarh.
Discover the Taste of Bastar
Explore Chhattisgarh Herbals and discover natural products that bring the flavours, traditions and forest heritage of Chhattisgarh closer to your home.