Chhattisgarh has a huge potential for minor forest produce based industries, Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel said on Friday, adding that industrialists should go for them so that locals get maximum employment.
Setting up such industries will also benefit the industrialists, said Baghel.
He was addressing the representatives of Urla Industries Association at his residence-cum-office. The Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister, Subrata Sahoo, was present.
The Chief Minister said Chhattisgarh has a range of precious medicines and minor forest produces which can be sold across the country after value addition.
He said industrialists can convey their requirements to Self-help groups and concerned District Collectors after discussing with them the quality and price of the product, based upon which these groups will provide products to the industrialists.
Baghel added that experience, capital and skilled people available within the state should be utilized to set up industry in forest areas.
Forests around Bastar and Surguja region have a store of precious minor forest produce. Women Self-help groups and Forest Samitis are engaged in collection of minor forest produce.
Women's groups have also been linked to processing functions in addition to storage. If the industrialists start an industry based on small forest produce like honey, tamarind, chironji, tikhur, aavla, harra and bahera and brand it, it can reach out to the national market.
Chhattisgarh has a turnover of about Rs 1,200 crores in industry related to minor forest produce. If the industries add value and brand these items, then they will command a higher price in the market.
He said that in the new industrial policy of the Government of Chhattisgarh, forest-based industries are being given priority and many types of concessions. There is also plenty of electricity, cheap labour and sufficient water available for setting up industries.