Mandi's Baggi village empowered to harness local plant’s potential

In a vital move towards rural empowerment and sustainable development, the serene village of Baggi in Mandi district hosted a one-day training and awareness programme centred on the theme “The role of Phanera vahlii (Taur) in sustainable livelihoods: Health, environment, cultural preservation and entrepreneurship.”

Jointly organised by the College of Horticulture and Forestry, Thunag (under Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni) and the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), the initiative aimed to spotlight the traditional multipurpose plant Phanera vahlii, locally known as Taur. This lesser-known botanical gem holds immense value in rural life — from cultural and medicinal uses to its untapped commercial potential.

Bringing together farmers, women from self-help groups, youth and panchayat members, the programme offered a blend of scientific insight and grassroots engagement. Experts underscored the importance of preserving traditional ecological knowledge linked to Taur, noting its ability to support both the environment and the economy.

One of the standout features of the event was a hands-on session on entrepreneurship and online marketing. Participants were introduced to the art of crafting and packaging eco-friendly products like leaf plates made from Taur leaves. They also learned how to use digital platforms to market and sell their products, opening up new channels of income generation and self-reliance.

The technical sessions were led by a team of experts, including Dr Vijay Rana, Dr Kishore Sharma, Dr Kishore Kumar Thakur and Dr Sarita Devi. They elaborated on the plant’s role in biodiversity conservation, shared practical knowledge on its commercial applications and encouraged villagers to innovate using sustainable and biodegradable resources. Their message was clear: local knowledge, when combined with modern tools, can power rural entrepreneurship.

Panchayat Pradhan Daya Ram welcomed the initiative, praising the collaborative effort of COH&F Thunag and ICSSR. He said such programmes not only awaken communities to the economic potential of their surroundings but also build resilience through self-sufficiency. He urged for similar awareness and training drives to be continued in other parts of the district.

Participants left the session both informed and inspired. Many expressed interest in replicating the models introduced during the training and looked forward to further opportunities to deepen their understanding of local biodiversity.

The programme marks a meaningful convergence of tradition and innovation — reaffirming that plants like Taur, rooted in Himalayan culture, may well hold the key to a greener and more economically secure rural future.