Nestled among Bastar's rolling farmlands and dense forests, tamarind trees grow alongside mango and mahua. They shape both the landscape and the livelihoods of local communities. For many families, especially those with little land or limited irrigation, tamarind offers an important source of seasonal income. Traditionally, the fruit goes through several hands before reaching consumers. Traders buy it, arrange for bulk deseeding, sell it to packaging businesses, and eventually it reaches retailers. Most of the value generated along the way stays with intermediaries rather than the communities where the tamarind is harvested.
At Maatti, we strive to keep more of that value within the tribal communities. By partnering directly with local women and producers, we create job opportunities close to home for those who may not have reliable transportation or other income sources. Women are paid directly for deseeding tamarind, allowing them to earn while remaining connected to their families and communities. The tamarind is then carefully cleaned to remove any remaining fibers and seeds. Throughout the process, workers follow strict hygiene practices. They wash their hands before handling the product and wear masks and hairnets to ensure quality and safety.
Our commitment to quality goes beyond processing. Instead of using artificial preservatives, we use vacuum packaging to naturally preserve freshness, extend shelf life, and prevent discoloration. Tamarind reaches its ideal balance of sweetness and acidity after about six months of aging. The tamarind we offer has completed this resting period, resulting in a rich, well-rounded flavor. By combining traditional knowledge, careful processing, and modern packaging methods, Maatti delivers premium-quality tamarind while creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for rural communities across Bastar.