Origin — Central Chhattisgarh
Central Chhattisgarh: The Forest Pantry
The sal forests of central Chhattisgarh are one of India's great forest food landscapes. For Adivasi communities here, the forest is not a resource — it is home, larder, and livelihood.
The Ecosystem
The Ecosystem
Central Chhattisgarh's forests are dominated by sal (Shorea robusta) — a slow-growing hardwood whose seeds yield a cocoa-butter substitute used in confectionery and cosmetics. The understorey is rich in medicinal plants, edible fungi, and seasonal fruits. The region's rivers and streams support aquatic biodiversity that sustains forest communities year-round.
Forest Type
Tropical dry deciduous
Primary Species
Sal, Tendu, Amla, Char
Districts
Raipur, Durg, Bilaspur
Harvest Season
March–June, October–December
The Communities
The Communities
We source from Gond and Oraon communities in the Raipur and Bilaspur districts. Many of our partners are members of Van Dhan Vikas Kendras — government-supported forest produce processing centres that provide infrastructure and market linkage to tribal collectors.
Van Dhan Vikas Kendras
Our partner communities operate through VDVK centres, which provide processing equipment, storage, and quality testing infrastructure.
Seasonal Livelihoods
Forest collection is a seasonal activity layered with agriculture. Our sourcing calendar is designed around community availability, not export deadlines.
Direct Payment
We pay directly to community bank accounts, bypassing aggregators. Payment records are part of our traceability documentation.
What We Source
Products from Central Chhattisgarh
Sal Seed Butter
Cold-pressed from sal seeds collected in spring. A cocoa-butter analogue with a mild, nutty flavour.
Amla (Indian Gooseberry)
Dried and powdered amla from forest trees. One of the highest natural sources of Vitamin C.
Tendu Leaf Products
Tendu leaves are a major forest livelihood. We source tendu-based craft and packaging materials from our partner communities.
Forest Mushrooms
Seasonal dried mushrooms collected from sal forest floors. Available in limited quantities each year.
Documentation
Traceability Record
All central Chhattisgarh products are traceable to VDVK centre, harvest batch, and community. Processing records are maintained at the VDVK and shared with Niyati on each shipment.
VDVK Processing Record
Van Dhan Vikas Kendra
Certificate of Analysis
FSSAI-accredited laboratory
Community Payment Record
Niyati internal audit