Kalinga Herbs: Odisha’s New Tribal-Powered Journey Into Natural Wellness

Odisha is preparing to make a bold entry into India’s natural wellness market with Kalinga Herbs, a new herbal and medicinal product brand rooted deeply in the State’s indigenous wisdom. Launched by the State Medicinal Plants Board (SMPB), the initiative draws inspiration from the success of Chhattisgarh Herbals but seeks to build an identity that is distinctly Odia, one that celebrates the centuries-old knowledge of its tribes and forest communities.

For generations, tribal communities across Odisha’s dense forests and hilly terrains have lived in harmony with nature, relying on herbal remedies passed down through oral traditions. Regions like Gandhamardan, often described as an Ayurvedic treasure have long been safeguarded by tribal families who understand the seasonal rhythms of the forest and the healing powers of its roots, leaves and fruits. Kalinga Herbs positions this indigenous heritage at its core, aiming to bring these time-honoured practices into a structured, dignified and commercially viable platform.

With an investment of around ₹120 crore planned over the next five years, the project will begin by sourcing herbs such as harida, bahada, amla, bel, honey, ashwagandha, sarpagandha, tulsi and pippali from tribal-dominated regions including Koraput, Rayagada, Kandhamal, Keonjhar and Mayurbhanj. These areas are home to thousands of NTFP collectors—mostly tribal women whose livelihoods depend on forest produce but who often face exploitation by middlemen. By directly connecting over 10,000 collectors and 125 farmer producer organisations to an organised market, the State hopes to ensure fair prices, stable income and stronger community empowerment.

The vision extends far beyond branding herbal products, it aims to restore respect to traditional healers, or vaidyas, whose knowledge forms the backbone of Odisha’s natural healing culture. Through collaborations with institutions like FRLHT, IRMA and MSSRF, the project focuses on scientific validation, sustainable harvesting and market-led growth, ensuring that tribal wisdom is preserved while gaining national visibility. The establishment of the Kalinga State Herbal Federation will further unite diverse stakeholders, giving tribal communities a central role in decision-making and long-term planning.

Kalinga Herbs is not just a new wellness brand; it is a recognition of the custodians who have protected Odisha’s herbal heritage for centuries. By placing tribal communities at the heart of its mission, the initiative promises a future where natural wellness, cultural pride and sustainable livelihoods grow hand in hand.