The article highlights how tamarind processing has become a source of prosperity for forest dwellers in Chhattisgarh, providing employment and generating income during challenging times due to the coronavirus and water crisis. In the 2020-21 period, 10,174 man-days of employment were generated, leading to the earning of Rs. 2.48 crores. The tamarind is procured at Minimum Support Price and processed through Van Dhan Vikas Kendras, with women self-help groups playing a significant role in the procurement. The forest dwellers of Jagdalpur, Naraynpur, Dharamjaigarh, Katghora, East Bhanupratpur and Kondagaon forests have benefited most from this initiative.