Chhattisgarh is the largest producer of minor forest produce and accounts for more than 90 per cent of the country’s non-timber forest produce

Launched on the occasion of World Tribal Day, Bhupesh Baghel, chief minister, Chhattisgarh, announced an endowment of Rs8.5 crore to be used to set up MFP processing units at the developmental blocks of the state. The cost of one unit would be about Rs10 lakh.

“These steps would open new avenues of self-employment and prosperity for forest dwellers,” said Baghel. “Procurement, processing and marketing of forest produce will be ensured through tribal youths’ self-help groups. The government will set up forest produce processing centres in every tribal development block of the state”. Speaking at the launch function, the chief minister claimed that, under this scheme, all forest-based economic activities will be conducted through these groups.

Shukla says that the government is committed to the welfare of the tribal and downtrodden sections of the state. According to him, each group will consist of 10-15 members leading the scheme, to benefit 1.9 million families from scheduled areas of the state. “Every effort is being made by the state government to improve the economy of the tribals and bring them into the mainstream of development,” says Baghel.

Chhattisgarh is the largest producer of MFPs and accounts for more than 90 per cent of the country’s non-timber forest produce. It is stated that the state’s annual MFP turnover is worth almost Rs1,200 crore. The state’s forest department has already set up its MFP procurement target of more than Rs200 crore this financial year. These schemes will also encourage afforestation and are likely to wean the youth away from taking the path of militancy/naxalism, as they would be gainfully employed.

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has stated that the one bright spot in this turbulent and challenging year has been the record procurement of MFPs under the MSP for MFP scheme in 16 states. Data given by the ministry shows that on state-wise performance, Chhattisgarh has taken the lead, procuring 46,857 tonnes of MFP, with Odisha and Gujarat following with procurement of 14,391 tonnes of MFP.

“This is a visionary exercise and decision of the state government,” adds Shukla. “It will not only help strengthen the economy of the local tribals and forest dwellers, but also create a new market of minor forest produce in the state. This is because the focus is on the setting up of processing units at every block. All this will lead to immense value addition to the products at the source level resulting in the creation of a good market.”