Chalakudy-Thrissur: In a significant move toward inter-state collaboration and knowledge sharing, a six-member delegation from the Odisha Forestry Sector Development Project (OFSDP) recently concluded a two-day exposure visit to the Chalakudy Forest Division in Kerala. The primary focus of the visit was to study Kerala’s successful implementation of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFP) Management and the operational intricacies of the popular Vanasree Outlets.
The visit provided a platform for the Odisha team to dive deep into the sustainable harvesting, processing, and marketing strategies that have made Kerala’s forest-based enterprises a benchmark in the sector. By visiting the Chalakudy Division, the delegates gained first-hand insights into how the Vanasree brand empowers local communities while preserving forest resources.
The visiting team brought together a diverse group of experts specialized in different facets of forest administration and community development:
Dr. Mamata Mishra – Head of Delegation; SPM (LLI, NRM & ISC)
Sri Gorachand Swain – Cluster Manager (Value Chain & Marketing)
Sri Ranjit Mohanty – Cluster Manager (Fundraising & CSR)
Mrs. Sarita Pani – R&D Expert
Ms. Triparna Mishra – Institutional Building Expert
Sri Rajib Lochan Sethy – Training & Capacity Building Expert
Over the course of the two days, the delegation engaged with the tribal communities, local officials and field staff to discuss: Value Chain Optimisation: Retail Excellence (the operational model of Vanasree Outlets and their role in market penetration) and Community Empowerment (training programs that build the capacity of forest-dependent tribes and local collectives). This visit marks another step forward in fostering a collaborative spirit between Odisha and Kerala, ensuring that the best practices in conservation and marketing are shared for the greater good of India’s forest economy. The success of the intensive two-day itinerary was made possible through the efforts of Ms. Praseetha, Division Coordinator of Chalakudy. As the primary coordinator, she managed the field visit schedules and oversaw all necessary logistical arrangements, ensuring the delegation could focus entirely on the technical aspects of their learning mission.
