Collection and processing of minor forest produce in the state under the shadow of Covid-19 pandemic, is proving to be a source of lifeline for the forest dwellers and villagers.
The state is involved in the collection of minor forest produce of more than Rs 2,000 crore, out of which about Rs 900 crore worth of tendu leaves and Rs 1,100 crore worth of other minor forest produce like tamarind, mahua, chironji, lac among others are collected.
Collection and storage of more than 15 lakh standard sacks of tendu leaf by more than 12 lakh families in the state will be done in the next two months.
Collectors will earn Rs 4,000 per standard bag and the remuneration distribution worth Rs 600 crore will be done.
The government has increased the price from Rs 2,500 per standard bag to Rs 4,000 per standard bag, due to which an additional remuneration of Rs 225 crore is being distributed, which is much higher than the rates given in other states.
The trade of nationalized minor forest produce in the state is about Rs 1100 crore.
Until now, this trade was in private hands only. Forest dwellers were not getting the right price for their forest produce.
The state government strengthened the plan to procure support price and has increased the formerly purchased just seven forest produce to 23 forest produce.
There was no procurement at the village and the government level.
Arrangement for forest produce by the women self-help groups formed under the NRLM, have been set up at 3,500 villages and 866 weekly markets.
Around 55,000 women from about 5,500 women self-help groups are involved in primary processing work.
Amidst the lockdown to contain the Covid-19 pandemic, these groups have made a purchase of 50,000 quintals of forest produce worth Rs 15 crore, by which many forest dwellers have been benefited.
A target has been set to collect forest produce worth Rs 100 crore in 2020.
Due to the presence of groups at village and haat level in the market, traders have to pay more than the minimum support price, due to which, an additional collection Rs 200-250 crore will be received from other minor forest produce.
Herbal, and other products are also being prepared in the state from the stored forest produce. In the past, it was released only from Sanjivani centres , now arrangements are also being made to sell it online via the medium of CG Haats.
Proper instructions have been laid down to take adequate precautions in collection of forest produce with reference to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Practicing social distancing, wearing masks and systematic arrangements have been made for washing hands at regular intervals.