For over 20 years, Vaishali lived in Kosbad, a sleepy village in Dahanu roughly 130 Kms from Mumbai. She depended on her husband to meet most of the family’s needs. That changed when she and her friends discovered the untapped potential of processed chiku—a GI-tagged fruit of Palghar, grown abundantly in their village.

With training at Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Dahanu, and support from the Integrated Tribal Development Project (ITDP) and NeevJivan Foundation, the group learned to make chiku chips, powder, and pickles, and went on to set up their own processing unit.

“Four years ago, we began with small steps. Today, our Chiku Processing Centre generates business worth Rs. 3,00,000 annually. With this income, I can support my son’s education at the local ITI and proudly contribute to building our family’s dream—a pucca house.”