About Vanasree

Vanasree is a unique venture established by the Kerala Forest and Wildlife Department under the State Forest Development Agency (SFDA) for the sale of Non-timber Forest Products (NTFPs) collected by forest-dependent tribal communities. Presently 72 Vanasree Units including two mobile units (Malayattoor and Thiruvananthapuram) function under the supervision of 36 Forest Development Agencies in Kerala. The forest-dependent tribal communities are provided with ample opportunity to market and sell their NTFP products without middlemen. Profit generated from sales of NTFPs through Vanasree units is returned to the tribal collectors (forest-dependent communities).

• Eliminating Middlemen
  Vanasree offers forest communities a direct channel to market and sell their NTFP products, eliminating exploitative middlemen and ensuring fair returns. Profits generated from product sales are reinvested back into the communities, empowering them economically.
• Community Empowerment
  Profits generated through Vanasree sales are directly reinvested in the communities, empowering them economically and fostering sustainable practices.
• Market Access and Widespread Reach
  With 72 units, Vanasree offers extensive coverage across Kerala, ensuring accessibility for diverse forest-dependent communities. These units provide direct market access to forest-dependent communities, bypassing exploitative middlemen.
• Mobile Units
  The two mobile units further enhance accessibility, bringing Vanasree closer to remote communities.

Vanasree fosters a sustainable and empowering model for forest-dependent communities in Kerala. It offers them fair market access, eliminates exploitative practices, and contributes to their economic well-being.