The onset of summer in Narmada district, Gujarat, has painted the forests in vibrant saffron hues as palash trees, locally known as khakhra, bloom with bright orange flowers, attracting tourists and supporting local livelihoods. Around the Statue of Unity, these flowering trees have become a visual delight for visitors, enhancing the region’s charm during the warmer months. Women in nearby villages have seized economic opportunities from this bloom, with a local nursery seeing increased demand for herbal soaps made from palash flowers.
At Ekta Nursery in Ekta Nagar, women from the community run a stall offering handicrafts and herbal products, including soap made from palash flowers, which has become a popular choice among consumers during the summer season. This initiative has not only provided an estimated income of Rs 40,000 to Rs 50,000 but has also empowered women economically. The Radhe Krishna Mission Mangalam group, formed in 2022 with government support, has enabled women to transition from household chores and agricultural labor to entrepreneurship, with members now earning a steady income and achieving financial independence.
The women involved in this initiative have undergone formal training in soap-making, allowing them to diversify their product range to include various types of soaps such as lemon, aloe vera, and rose, sourced from nearby areas. Tourists visiting the Statue of Unity have shown interest in these products, contributing significantly to the group’s income. Members of the group now earn between Rs 10,000 and Rs 15,000 per month, not only supporting their households but also saving a portion of their earnings for the future. The employment prospects for women in the area have significantly improved due to the success of selling kesuda (palash) soaps, showcasing the dual benefits of enhancing the district’s natural beauty and creating sustainable income opportunities.
