In addition to our conventional developmental activities with our various partners, we also produce eco-friendly and organic tribal products consisting of honey and vinegar. We do this through Maikal Hills Natural Products Company(MHNPC). The company, set up and registered in 2005, is a non-profit organization that empowers the Bhil and Gond community by giving them access to livelihood options and establishing both forward and backward linkages, linking them with the companies and FPOs at the apex level.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
CLUSTER FACILITATION TEAM - MNREGA -
MAHATMA GANDHI RURAL EMPLOYMENT GUARANTEE ACT
The idea of the CFT – Cluster Facilitation Team was conceived by the Govt. Of India (GOI) to synergize Mahatma Gandhi NREGS and National Rural Livelihood Mission (DAY-NRLM), run by the GOI through state governments and central agencies like Rural Development Department and implemented by community institutions like gram panchayats. The main objective of the CFT project is to substantially enhance the quality of assets being created in the Mahatma Gandhi NREGS with the assistance of civil society organizations and thereby address the issue of rural livelihoods diligently. The Cluster Facilitation Team, deployed in the Block, plays critical facilitation and capacity-building roles at the grassroots level to mobilize community-based organizations CBOs and Gram Panchayats. Under the CFT scheme, we at CARD broadly function as a technical secretariat to the more than 500-gram panchayats.CARD is implementing partner of NREGS with the Govt. of Madhya Pradesh in 8 blocks of Dindori, Mandla, Chhindwara, Dhar, and Ujjain distts, covering around more than 1000 villages and 75 employees, facilitating the development of and positively impacting around 30000 rural lives.
Rural Tourism Promotion
Under the Rural Tourism Project, 100 villages across MP have been identified with the goal of developing them as Tourism Villages. As per the scheme, the state has been divided into six key cultural experience regions. Baghelkhand, Bundelkhand and Chambal in the north and northeast apart from their cultural specialities, also showcase the essence of village life and culture. On the other hand, Malwa, Nimar and Mahakaushal in the west and south showcase the unique culture of their tribal and indigenous communities. The Rural Tourism Programme is being implemented in 60 villages in the first phase and 40 in the second phase over three years, totalling 100 villages in all. This project gives the tourist the most authentic and ground-breaking rural experience through activities like bullock cart rides, farming and cultural experiences and the opportunity to stay in homestays in rural areas to generate employment and alternative business opportunities for rural communities.
CARD, in partnership with Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board is promoting Rural Tourism in Madhya Pradesh in villages of Dhar, Ujjain and Mandla districts. More than 30 beneficiaries have been identified for this initiative.
Empowering the Baiga community
Project Title : Enhancing the Economic Potential of Baiga Tribe in Baiga Chak region of Dindori in Eastern Region of Madhya Pradesh by Scientific and Technological Inputs to Create Sustainable and Inclusive Value Chains
Location: Bajag and Karanjiya Blocks, Dindori.
Duration: 3 years (2025-28)
The project aims to strengthen livelihoods by integrating the Baiga community’s traditional knowledge of medicinal plants, herbal healing, sustainable living and indigenous practices with opportunities for skill development and income generation. Key interventions include documenting and promoting traditional knowledge, establishing a medicinal hub and skill school, organizing training and certification programmes, and developing nature-based tourism experiences. Agriculture-based households will be supported through millet processing, value addition and improved cultivation of traditional crops such as Baigani arhar, Ram til and indigenous rice and maize varieties. A collection and processing centre will facilitate local procurement, competitive pricing and application of bioprocessing techniques such as soaking, germination and fermentation.
The project targets a minimum 25% increase in household income, improved agricultural productivity, reduced distress migration and stronger market linkages. It will also promote millet-based products and sustainable NTFP enterprises while conserving indigenous knowledge for future generations.
CARD is facilitating community-led implementation through strengthened village institutions, capacity building and continuous field-level handholding. Beneficiaries actively participate in planning and implementation, ensuring ownership, cultural preservation, ecological sustainability and long-term livelihood security without disturbing the Baiga community’s traditional belief systems.