In a notable example of cooperative-driven rural development, the Ambika Horticulture Producer Cooperative Society has successfully operationalised a cashew processing plant in Jamlapada village of Dang district of Gujarat, opening new avenues for local livelihoods and self-reliance.
The facility integrates processing, grading, and packaging under one roof, enabling farmers to move up the value chain and secure better returns for their produce.
A key highlight of the initiative is the generation of employment for local women, many of whom can now earn a stable income while working from or near their homes.
With an estimated annual turnover of around Rs 50 lakh, the unit is emerging as a sustainable agri-business model, reinforcing the role of cooperatives in driving inclusive growth and promoting self-reliance in tribal regions like Dang.