From laddus to oil: Telangana’s Mahua project to expand in Mulugu
Encouraged by the success of the Mahua (Ippa puvvu) laddu initiative, the Society for Elimination of Rural Poverty (SERP) is planning to establish three processing
Encouraged by the success of the Mahua (Ippa puvvu) laddu initiative, the Society for Elimination of Rural Poverty (SERP) is planning to establish three processing units in Mulugu district to expand value-added activities around forest produce. The proposed units, to be set up at Kondaparti, Kannepally and Medaram in SS Tadvai mandal, will focus on extracting Mahua and Kanuga (Pongamia pinnata) oil, in addition to laddu production. Mission Manager (NRLM) Killi Jayaram said the cold pressed units would be taken up at an estimated cost of ₹15 lakh. “There is a good demand for both Mahua oil as well as Kanuga oil. Considering this, we are going to set up these units in Mulugu district soon,” he said, adding that a detailed project report (DPR) would be ready in a month.
The initiative is being implemented under the Telangana Inclusive Livelihoods Programme (TGILP), a component of the Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM). As part of the programme, Mahua laddu preparation was introduced as a livelihood activity for women in Tadvai mandal. Mahua oil fetches ₹1,000 per kg Highlighting market potential, Mr. Jayaram noted that Mahua (Madhuca longifolia) oil fetches around ₹1,000 per kg. “We can get one kg of oil from about two kg of Mahua flowers,” he said, pointing out that the oil is rich in nutrients and also used in Ayurvedic formulations. He added that tribal communities have increasingly been exchanging Mahua flowers for edible oils in recent years. Private unit already operational Officials said a privately owned cold-pressed Mahua oil unit is already operational at Pasra near Medaram.
Mulugu MLA and Panchayat Raj and Rural Development Minister Dansari Anasuya Seethakka is also keen on promoting Mahua-based industries in the district, while the State government is preparing to roll out a comprehensive Mahua project aimed at converting a traditional forest resource into a sustainable livelihood model. Reliable source of income for tribal women SERP Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Divya Devarajan said the initiative has multiple benefits. “Mahua flower-based activities are not only health-oriented but also provide a reliable source of income for tribal women and improve household earnings,” she said. FSSAI licence for Mahua laddu The Mahua laddu enterprise has already shown significant results. The activity gained momentum following support in obtaining FSSAI licences and training in production and marketing.
“The TGILP team supported the women in obtaining FSSAI licences and in organising production activities, including sourcing food-grade Mahua flowers and other inputs,” Mr. Jayaram said. He added that training in scientific collection methods, including the use of green nets under trees, was provided to ensure quality raw material. The enterprise recorded strong sales, particularly during the Sammakka-Saralamma biennial Maha Jatara at Medaram this year.
The BriefWire