In the early hours of the morning, under the soft glow of battery-powered torches, Mahendra Kurkute and his parents, Tara and Krishna, step into their jasmine fields at the foothills of Mahuli in the Sahyadri range. With practiced hands, they pluck the greenish-white buds, placing them carefully into cloth bags slung over their shoulders. By midday, traders arrive to weigh and collect the flowers, setting them on a journey to bustling markets in Kalyan and Dadar. Every fortnight, these blooms translate into cash payments, providing a steady income to families like the Kurkutes.
For the tribal communities of Shahpur in Maharashtra, jasmine cultivation has been nothing short of life-changing, bringing prosperity and stability—just like the flowers themselves.
The Fragrance of Change
Not long ago, the lives of these tribal families were far from beautiful. The Katkari and Kokani tribes have long struggled with poverty, landlessness, and seasonal migration. Many relied solely on rain-fed paddy farming during the Kharif season, their livelihoods dictated by erratic rainfall. Ironically, despite living near the Tansa dam—a major water source for Mumbai—they lacked access to irrigation.
After the harvest, men were often forced to migrate to nearby towns, taking up menial jobs as brickmakers or construction laborers, while women stayed behind, tending to children and scraping together meals from dwindling supplies. Government efforts to uplift them had limited impact, leaving them in a cycle of uncertainty.
A Fight for Land and Livelihoods
Land ownership was another battle. Despite cultivating these lands for generations, tribal families lived in fear of eviction, as forest officials refused to recognize their rights. However, the landmark Forest Rights Act (FRA) of 2006 changed everything, empowering forest dwellers by granting them legal rights to their land.
In 2017, after years of struggle, 416 hectares of forest land in Koshte village were officially recognized for habitation and self-cultivation. “This was a long fight,” recalls Mahendra, an ITI-trained fitter who lost his job during COVID-19. “Now, we can farm peacefully.”
Jasmine: A Sustainable Solution
Recognizing the challenges faced by these communities, the JSW Foundation and Watershed Organization Trust (WOTR) sought to create a sustainable livelihood alternative. The solution? Jasmine cultivation.
“Mogra (jasmine) was the perfect fit,” explains Dnyaneswar Ade, WOTR’s project manager. “It’s drought-resistant, easy to cultivate, and has a high market demand.” With Mumbai’s flower markets just a short distance away, farmers could directly sell their produce, reducing their dependency on seasonal agriculture.
Since its launch, the initiative has supported 234 tribal families across 18 villages, distributing nearly one lakh jasmine saplings. Each family received 300–500 plants, along with subsidies for fencing, pit digging, and drip irrigation systems worth ₹27,400 per farmer, funded by Maharashtra’s Agriculture Department.
Blossoming Incomes, Brighter Futures
Jasmine thrives in tropical and subtropical climates, making it ideal for this region. Varieties like Jasminum sambac, commonly known as mogra, are highly sought after, particularly Udupi Malligai, which holds a Geographical Indication (GI) status and is exported to West Asian markets.
For farmers like Subhash Ramchandra Zugare from Khor village, jasmine offers multiple benefits: “Mogra survives droughts, requires minimal fertilizers, and has a stable market demand.”
The financial returns are equally rewarding. Jasmine flowers sell for ₹150 per kg on regular days and up to ₹300 per kg during festivals. Traders collect the flowers directly from villages, eliminating transportation costs for farmers. On average, families earn an additional ₹7,000 annually, with monthly incomes ranging from ₹2,000 to ₹3,000, ensuring a more secure livelihood.
Beyond Jasmine: Community Empowerment
Encouraged by the success of jasmine cultivation, WOTR has expanded its efforts to foster economic independence through Self-Help Groups (SHGs). Women-led enterprises now produce incense sticks, papads, and paper plates, while community-run flour mills save residents from traveling long distances for basic needs. Kitchen gardens and poultry farms are also on the rise, further strengthening food security and financial independence.
A New Chapter for Adivasis
The shift to jasmine farming has significantly reduced migration. “Those who embraced mogra farming no longer need to leave their homes for work,” shares Vandan Kakdya Tumbda from Barafpada. For many, the journey from hardship to hope has been marked by resilience and renewal.
Today, the jasmine buds that once adorned their palms have blossomed into a sustainable future—one where life is not only stable but truly sundar.