ICAR-CIRCOT Organizes Online Session on Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development for Tribal Communities under Jan Jatiya Gaurav Varsh Pakhwada

An online session on “Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development for Tribal Communities” was organized by ICAR-CIRCOT, Mumbai, on November 3, 2025, as part of the commemoration of the 150th Birth Anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda under Jan Jatiya Gaurav Varsh Pakhwada. The program aimed to recognize and celebrate the achievements of successful tribal entrepreneurs, share their success stories, and motivate budding innovators while enhancing their understanding of innovation, business development, and market opportunities.

Several tribal entrepreneurs, who are also incubatees of ICAR-CIRCOT R-ABI, participated in the session, including Mr. Rupesh Pawar, Founder of Sargenic Ventures Pvt. Ltd., Mr. Hariram Thavil, Founder of Ranzopadi Agro-Tourism, and Mr. Ganesh Jadhav, Founder of Gaav Shiwar Krushi Paryatan Kendra.

Dr. S. K. Shukla, Director, ICAR-CIRCOT, Mumbai, addressed the participants and encouraged them to promote their products through strategic collaborations with potential market partners. He appreciated the efforts, determination, and innovation of tribal entrepreneurs in establishing successful ventures and provided valuable guidance on business expansion, value addition, and profitability enhancement.

Dr. A. K. Bharimalla, Principal Scientist and CEO, ICAR-CIRCOT R-ABI, appreciated the accomplishments of tribal startups and shared their inspiring success stories to motivate emerging entrepreneurs. He highlighted several innovative ventures nurtured under CIRCOT R-ABI, such as the Mahua Seed-Based Body Butter, where a patented green enzymatic process was developed to convert underutilized mahua seeds into premium cosmetic butter. This innovation not only promotes sustainability and indigenous value addition but also creates livelihood opportunities for tribal women while reducing India’s dependence on imported cosmetic oils. He also shared the success of the innovation “Agro-Tourism for Tribal Livelihood and Biodiversity Preservation,” which integrates eco-friendly tourism with the preservation of tribal art, culture, and biodiversity. The initiative provides direct income opportunities for rural and tribal families through local crafts, organic produce, and experiential tourism. Similarly, Gaav Shiwar Krushi Paryatan Kendra was lauded for its efforts in empowering tribal communities through agro-tourism and sustainable rural enterprise.