In a quiet revolution taking place in the villages of Punjab, women homemakers are spearheading a remarkable movement towards organic products. With the brand name 'Van Utpatti,' around 3,555 members of 257 active Self-Help Groups (SHGs) are making significant strides in the organic market.

These enterprising women from SAS Nagar, Hoshiarpur, Dasuya, and Pathankot forest divisions are producing a wide range of organic goods. Their offerings include face and skin products, Holi colors, morabba (fruit preserves), pickles, sweets, bamboo products, cloth bags, and leaf plates used for serving food during social gatherings. The annual turnover for these organic products runs into lakhs of rupees.

The SHGs were formed by the state forest department approximately five years ago to empower the local communities residing in and around the forest areas. With the assistance of two facilitators employed under the SAS Nagar forest division, the SHGs receive guidance and support to ensure their products are manufactured and sold effectively.

The uniqueness of the products is another factor contributing to their popularity. For instance, the women create rakhi (a decorative thread) using seeds collected from the forest. The thread is made of local bhabar grass, making it fully organic and eco-friendly. Additionally, their organic colors for the Holi festival, made from arrowroot and natural coloring materials, sell out before the event.

The SHGs have also embraced eco-friendly practices by manufacturing cloth bags, which have gained significant attention from industries and shops looking to transition away from plastic bags. With the provision of automatic sewing machines, the women have been able to fulfill numerous orders.

As their products gain recognition and demand, efforts are being made to establish partnerships with the Khadi Board, further expanding their market reach.