Chhattisgarh Palash Flower Income: Palash flowers are not only beautiful to look at, but are also a big support for rural economy and income. Their collection has increased rapidly in Katghora area of Chhattisgarh, due to which tribal families are getting employment and better income. Their demand is also continuously increasing, due to which they are becoming a strong source of self-reliance and prosperity.
Raipur: Palash flowers are not only very beautiful, but are also a very valuable resource for rural economy, livelihood and health. These orange-red flowers, also called wildfire, bring prosperity to rural areas in spring. Palash flowers, seeds and gum (kamarkas) are used in Ayurveda to treat skin diseases, stomach worms, diabetes and improve sexual health. Villagers also increase their income by selling these medicinal products. Palash trees are found in large numbers in Katghora forest division of Chhattisgarh. It is abundantly available in areas like Pasan, Kendai, Jatga, Etmanagar, Katghora, Chautma and Pali. Collection of minor forest produce is the main means of livelihood for the tribal and forest dwelling families here.
Palash is a medicinal and cultural flower
The scientific name of Palash flower is Butea monosperma, which is also known as Tesu, Dhak or ‘Flame of the Forest’. It is an important medicinal and cultural flower of India. Its attractive orange flowers that bloom in spring not only add natural beauty but also have medicinal uses, natural Holi color and skin care. Palash flowers are collected in Katghora mainly in the month of March-April. Its collection rate has been fixed at Rs 11.50 per kg in the year 2025 by Chhattisgarh State Minor Forest Produce Association, Raipur. This rate has proved helpful in providing the collectors a fair price for their hard work.
Increase in collection of Palash flowers
The collection of Palash flowers is continuously increasing in Katghora forest region. In the year 2022-23, 402 quintals were collected from 116 collectors, in 2023-24, 58 quintals were collected from 40 collectors, in 2024-25, 147 quintals were collected from 107 collectors and in 2025-26, 76 quintals were collected from 20 collectors. Along with this, the price of Palash also increased. Is. Palash, which was available at Rs 900 per quintal in 2022-23, increased to Rs 1150 per quintal in 2024-25. After this, it was sold by the Sangh headquarters at the rate of Rs 1600 per quintal, due to which the collectors got better profits.
Total payment of Rs 87,400 to 20 collectors
The collection work has been organized through Van Dhan Vikas Kendra Pasan, Moraga, Donganala, Gursian and Manikpur. These centers provided support to local people in training, collection and marketing. A total of Rs 87,400 was paid to 20 collectors collecting Palash flowers in the year 2025-26, which strengthened their economic condition and improved the standard of living. This initiative is an excellent example of effective implementation of government schemes, in which rural and tribal families are getting employment and income opportunities through minor forest produce.
Palash flowers a major source of rural employment
Palash flowers are considered very dear to Goddess Lakshmi, hence they are used in worship. It is believed that keeping them in the safe increases wealth and prosperity. Pattal and dona made from Palash leaves are very popular in weddings and other events as an eco-friendly option, which is a great source of rural employment. In the coming season, a target has been set to connect more and more people with Palash flower collection by giving wide publicity in all the committees of Katghora forest division. This will not only increase livelihood opportunities but will also ensure sustainable and proper use of forest resources. Palash is not just a story of flowers, but a new flight of self-reliance, livelihood and prosperity.
Natural and herbal gulal is made from Palash flowers.
The biggest commercial use of Palash flowers is in making natural and herbal gulal, colors for Holi. Tribal and rural women are increasing their livelihood by preparing eco-friendly colors from these flowers through Palash brand.