TRIFED to commercialize Mahua Nutra Beverage in Jharkhand

New Delhi: TRIFED has entered into a collaborative project with the Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer (FIIT), a unit established by IIT-Delhi and Rusicaa Beverages Private Ltd, Purbi Singhbhum, Jharkhand to commercialise the production of Mahua Nutra beverage, a heritage drink in the state of Jharkhand. TRIFED, as the nodal agency working for the empowerment of tribals, has been focusing its efforts on finding new ways to improve the lives and the livelihoods of the tribal people.

The MoU has been signed between TRIFED, FITT and Rusicaa Beverages on September 16, to work together to enhance the income of tribals of Jharkhand through the commercial production and sale of Mahua Nutra beverage, a value-added product made out of Mahua flowers in the state. TRIFED's Managing Director (MD) Pravir Krishna, FIT's MD Anil Wali and Rusicaa Beverages' Director Doman Tudu signed the MoU in the presence of National Head-Banking & Finance, DICCI and senior officials from the three organisations.

TRIFED in association with FITT has developed this value-added product Mahua Nutra beverage made out of Mahua flower so that the tribals can benefit maximum from the value addition of MFPs and the development of technologies. FITT acts as the interface to foster, promote and sustain commercialization of this technology and now the technology is being licensed to Rusicaa Beverages Private Ltd of Jharkhand for commercialization of this Mahua Nutra beverage in Jharkhand. As a part of this project, Rusicaa Beverages shall be procuring Mahua flower for production of Mahua Nutra beverage from Tribal forest gatherers of Jharkhand engaged in the collection of Mahua flower and its processing in VDVK Clusters at price, not below MSP price.

This is the first of its kind of initiative in the state of Jharkhand and the country by TRIFED. This opens up opportunities for partner entrepreneurs in other states looking for starting up the Nutra Beverage units as well for benefit of tribal communities across the country. The Mahua Nutra beverage in its improvised form is blended with Pomegranate fruit juice, which enhances the nutritional value and masks the flavour of Mahua beverage by improving its aroma and texture.

With the successful implementation of this collaboration, this unique, nutritional product will reach households across the country and become a common name and thus contribute to the transformation of tribal lives and livelihoods.

To take this to the next logical phase, TRIFED is exploring convergences with organisations, government and non-government and academics, to continue its mission towards tribal empowerment. The aim is to pool strengths together and undertake work that will help in boosting the income and livelihoods of the tribal people.

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