From forest gatherers to entrepreneurs: Hahim’s tribal women build new livelihoods

In the remote border village of Hahim, nestled along the Assam-Meghalaya frontier, a quiet transformation is taking shape. For nearly 50 tribal women, the forests that have sustained their families for generations are now becoming a pathway to entrepreneurship, financial independence, and renewed confidence.

The women are among the beneficiaries of the Van Dhan Value Addition Programme under the Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Vikas Mission, an initiative aimed at strengthening tribal livelihoods through skill development and value addition of forest-based resources.

For years, the women of Hahim collected forest produce such as honey, medicinal herbs, tamarind and jackfruit, primarily for household use or sale in local markets. While these resources provided supplementary income, their economic potential remained largely untapped.

That began to change through specialised training conducted by the Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship (IIE), with support from the Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India (TRIFED) and implementation by the Assam Plain Tribes Development Corporation. The programme introduced participants to modern techniques of processing, packaging and marketing forest products, enabling them to create value-added goods including soaps, papad, bakery products and incense sticks.

For many of the participants, the training represented more than a new source of income. It offered an opportunity to rethink their role within their families and communities.

“Earlier, we believed forest produce was only meant for daily use. Now we understand that it can become a business,” said participant Anamika Rabha. “This training has given us the confidence to think beyond our immediate needs and plan for the future.”

According to trainers, the programme was designed to build upon the women’s existing knowledge of natural resources while introducing them to entrepreneurial practices. Participants received guidance on product development, branding, packaging and market access, helping bridge the gap between traditional skills and commercial opportunities.

Trainer Renu Deuri said the response from the women exceeded expectations. “They already possessed a deep understanding of forest resources. Our role was to help them recognise the market value of what they know and create products that can reach a wider audience,” she said.

The impact of the initiative is already becoming visible across the village. Several women have expressed interest in forming self-help groups to collectively produce and market their products. Others hope to pass on their newly acquired skills to younger girls, creating opportunities for future generations.

In a region where employment opportunities are limited and economic challenges remain significant, the programme has generated a sense of optimism and purpose. Beyond the prospect of additional income, participants speak of increased self-confidence, greater decision-making power and a stronger sense of identity as entrepreneurs.

The experience of the women of Hahim highlights the potential of community-based development initiatives to create meaningful change at the grassroots level. By combining traditional knowledge with modern enterprise skills, the programme is helping transform local resources into sustainable livelihoods.

As these women move from gathering forest produce to building businesses around it, their journey reflects a broader story of resilience, aspiration and empowerment—one that is steadily reshaping lives in the villages of western Assam.