पांगी की महिलाओं ने रचा आत्मनिर्भरता का नया अध्याय पीर पंजाल जंगल प्रोड्यूसर कंपनी की दूसरी आम सभा

Shiv Suryavanshi Snow Message Pangi women chart a new chapter in self-reliance, Pir Panjal Forest Producer Company's second annual general meeting concludes Kilad, Pangi (Chamba). The second annual general meeting of Pir Panjal Forest Producer Company, which is working towards the economic empowerment of women and strengthening forest-based livelihoods in the tribal Pangi Valley, was held on Sunday at the Ramlila Ground in Kilad. Divisional Forest Officer Ravi Guleria attended the event as chief guest, while District Council member Sunita Kumari, Panchayat Samiti member Rita Kumari, and BJP Mandal President Satish Rana were special guests. More than 200 women associated with the company participated in the meeting, and the company's achievements, future plans, and efforts to strengthen the forest-based economy were discussed in detail. During the event, the company's President, Mrs. Bhagtu, General Secretary, Mrs. Jamun, Promoter, Mrs. Booti Devi, Sushila, and Board of Directors members, Anita, Sheela, Sarita, Meena, Rita, Sillo, and Kanta, presented the company's annual accounts. They shared information about the company's work over the years, financial achievements, and positive changes in the field of women's empowerment. Forest-Based Economy Getting a New Direction Pir Panjal Forest Producer Company is a women-run community enterprise in the tribal Pangi Valley of Himachal Pradesh, economically empowering local women by engaging them in the collection, processing, and marketing of forest products. The company's primary objective is to address challenges faced in the sale of forest products and ensure collectors receive fair value for their hard work. This initiative was developed under the "The Initiative on the Forest Economy" program, run by the Indian School of Business (ISB) and the Indian Institute of Public Policy (IIPP). Its objective is to establish women as decision-makers and economically strong stakeholders in the forest economy, rather than merely as forest product collectors. A New Example of Women-Led Development The company's model places women at the center of economic development and forest management. This provides women with opportunities to earn better incomes, achieve financial independence, and develop community leadership. Today, women in the Pangi Valley are not limited to collecting forest products alone, but are also playing an active role in marketing, pricing, and business decisions. This has led to significant improvements in both their social status and economic status. 986 Women from 33 Villages Become Shareholders During the year 2024-26, 986 women from 33 villages in the Pangi Valley have joined the company as shareholders. This number demonstrates the deep trust and enthusiasm women in the region have for this initiative. Turnover of over ₹39 lakh The company has successfully sold various forest products to date, including: 13.69 quintals of hazelnuts (thangi) 16.50 kilograms of walnuts 1 kilogram of black cumin seeds 100 grams of morel mushrooms From the sale of these products, the company has generated a total revenue of over ₹39.05 lakh, while contributing over ₹1.93 lakh in GST to the state government. Forest products becoming a strong source of income Valuable products available in the forests of the Pangi Valley, such as black cumin seeds, walnuts, hazelnuts (thangi), pine nuts (chilgoza/yoja), and morel mushrooms, are now emerging as a major source of income for local women. The growing demand for these products in national and international markets is now directly benefiting the local community. Strengthening both forest conservation and livelihoods The company is working closely with Community Forest Resource Management Committees (CFMRs), formed under the Forest Rights Act, 2006. This has promoted scientific and sustainable collection of minor forest produce and strengthened forest conservation efforts. An Inspiring Model for Remote Areas Experts believe that the Pir Panjal Forest Producer Company model is a successful example of strengthening forest-based livelihoods in remote and tribal areas of Himachal Pradesh. This initiative provides economic self-reliance to women while also promoting community participation, leadership development, and environmental conservation. This initiative, led by women in the Pangi Valley, is emerging as an excellent model of rural development, women's empowerment, and sustainable forest management, which could serve as an inspiration for other forest areas in the state in the future. — Him Sandesh, Pangi #PangiValley #WomenEmpowerment #ForestEconomy #TribalWomen #RuralDevelopment #CommunityLeadership #SustainableLivelihoods #ForestProducts #SelfReliance #WomenLedDevelopment #EconomicEmpowerment #Hazelnuts #BlackCumin #MorelMushrooms #ForestRightsAct #SustainableForestry #HimachalPradesh #ChambaDistrict #ProducerCompany #GrassrootsLeadership #FinancialInclusion #LocalToGlobal #NaturalResources #Co...