Dantewada’s young entrepreneur Vishal Haldar has prepared caffeine-free herbal coffee from Chhind seeds. This coffee is rich in antioxidants. It got the first place in the Innovation Mahakumbh and now it can become the new identity of Bastar.
A new and special initiative has emerged from Bastar region of Chhattisgarh. Young entrepreneur Vishal Haldar, resident of Bacheli in Dantewada district, has prepared caffeine-free herbal coffee from Chhind seeds. Chhind is a local variety of date palm, whose seeds were till now considered useless and thrown away. Vishal, who has studied B.Com and Software Development, decided to do something new by connecting with his soil and local resources. He did continuous research and many experiments for about two years. By combining the information received from the internet and local experience, he prepared this unique herbal coffee.
Caffeine Free Herbal Coffee: Taste and health too
This herbal coffee made by Vishal is completely caffeine free. Due to the natural properties of Chhind, it contains abundant amounts of antioxidants. Vishal says that many people drink coffee not only for energy, but because of its taste and habit. For such people, this herbal coffee can become a better and healthy option, because it does not have any side effects of caffeine.
Got first place in Innovation Mahakumbh
This unique experiment got recognition when Vishal set up his stall in the Innovation Mahakumbh. This event was held at Shaheed Mahendra Karma University. State Finance Minister OP Choudhary, university professors and a large number of people present in the program tasted this coffee and appreciated it. This new thinking and hard work of Vishal got the first place in the competition. For this he was also honored by Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai.
Youth will get employment from Bastar Herbal Coffee
Vishal does not want to be limited to creating just one new product. He is motivating local youth for entrepreneurship through Youth Up Foundation of Dantewada District Administration. Their aim is to provide a source of additional income to the villagers by using Chhind seeds obtained from villages and forests. This can also create new employment opportunities in Bastar.
Trying to make Global Best Product from Local Waste
Currently, this project is in the testing and development phase and its official launch is yet to happen. Despite this, Vishal’s effort proves that with right thinking and hard work, even local waste material can be converted into a useful product on a large scale. In the coming time, this herbal coffee made from Chhind seeds can become the new identity of Bastar. Also, it can prove to be a special option for people who like healthy and caffeine free drinks.