From Laddu to Oil: Expansion of Telangana SERP’s Mahua Project in Mulugu

The Mahua laddu business has gained momentum after the support in obtaining FSSAI licenses. Image is for representational purposes only.

Encouraged by the success of the Mahua (Ippa puvvu) laddu initiative, the Society for the Eradication of Rural Poverty (SERP) plans to set up three processing units in Mulugu District to expand value-added activities in forest produce. The proposed units to be set up at Kondaparti, Kannepally and Medaram in SS Tadvai mandal will focus on Mahua and Kanuga (Pongamia pinnata) oil extraction besides laddu production.

National Mission Manager (NRLM) Killi Jayaram said the cold pressed units will be made at an estimated cost of ₹15 lakh. “There is good demand for Mahua oil as well as Kanuga oil. Due to this, we will soon set up these units in Mulugu district,” he said, adding that the detailed project report (DPR) would be ready in a month.

The initiative is being implemented under the Telangana Inclusive Livelihoods Program (TGILP), which is part of the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM). The program introduced preparation of Mahua laddu as sustenance for women in Tadvai mandal.

Mahua oil costs ₹1,000 per kg

Highlighting the market potential, Mr. Jayaram noted that oil from Mahua (Madhuca longifolia) costs around ₹1,000 per kg. “We can get one kg of oil from about two kg of Mahua flowers,” he said, pointing out that the oil is rich in nutrients and is also used in Ayurvedic formulations. He added that tribal communities have increasingly traded Mahua flowers for edible oils in recent years.

Private unit already in operation

Officials said the privately owned Mahua cold pressed oil unit is already operational at Pasra near Medaram.

Mulugu MLA and Panchayat Raj and Rural Development Minister Dansari Anasuya Seethakka are also keen to promote Mahua-based industries in the district as the state government prepares to launch a comprehensive Mahua project aimed at converting a traditional forest resource into a sustainable livelihood model.

A reliable source of income for tribal women

SERP Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Divya Devarajan said the initiative has a number of benefits. “Activities based on Mahua flowers are not only health oriented but also provide a reliable source of income for tribal women and improve household income,” she said.

FSSAI license for Mahua laddu

The Mahua laddu business has already shown significant results. The activity gained momentum after support in obtaining FSSAI licenses and training in manufacturing and marketing.

“The TGILP team supported women in obtaining FSSAI licenses and organizing production activities, including procurement of Mahua food flowers and other inputs,” said Mr. Jayaram. He added that training in scientific collection methods, including the use of green nets under trees, has been provided to ensure quality raw material. The business has seen strong sales, especially during this year’s biennial Sammakka-Saralamma Maha Jatara in Medaram.

Published – 09 Jun 2026 17:02 IST