In Chhattisgarh, unprecedented efforts are being undertaken in the areas of employment, self-employment, and the improved management of local resources, alongside promoting entrepreneurship. Over the past 4.5 years, the benefit of these schemes has successfully reached the needy population residing in rural and remote forested areas. Under the guidance of chief minister Bhupesh Baghel and forest minister Mohammad Akbar, several significant measures were implemented for the welfare of forest dwellers and tribal communities residing in Chhattisgarh’s forested regions. This commitment is evident in the fact that Chhattisgarh contributes to 74 per cent of the country’s collection of minor forest produce.
The number of minor forest produce procured at support price has increased from 7 to 67 in Chhattisgarh, keeping in view the interest of MFP collectors. Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Shri V Srinivas Rao stated that as a result of these efforts, the number of MFP collectors has increased more than fourfold over the past 4.5 years. In the year 2018-19, the number of collectors was 1.5 lakh, which has now risen to 6 lakh. In the year 2021-22, a total of 42,000 metric tonnes of minor forest produce were procured, compared to just 540 metric tonnes in 2018-19.
Chhattisgarh State Minor Forest Produce Association Managing Director Anil Rai stated that a millet mission is also underway in Chhattisgarh to encourage the cultivation of minor cereal crops. Under this initiative, the procurement of Kodo, Kutki, and Ragi is being conducted at support prices.
Chhattisgarh leads the country in terms of minor forest produce collection. Over the past four and a half years, thanks to the pro-people schemes of the Chhattisgarh Government, nearly 13 lakh tendupatta collectors and 6 lakh MFP collectors have seen an increase in their income. The government has hiked tendupatta collection rate from Rs 2,500 to Rs 4,000 per standard bag, resulting in collectors receiving a total of Rs 2,146.75 crore as wages for tendupatta collection over the past four years. In the interest of collector families, under the Shaheed Mahendra Karma Tendupatta Collector Social Security Scheme, a total of 4,692 beneficiaries have been provided assistance amounting to Rs 71.02 crore.
Chhattisgarh is also the leading state in the country in the implementation of forest rights. The Chhattisgarh Government has given agricultural status to lac production and has initiated a plan to offer short-term loans to lac producers. Consequently, lakhs of producers have achieved financial stability.
