Raipur: Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, the state government has given a big gift to the forest dwellers of the state. So far, the support price of 17 minor forest produce has been increased by the state government, due to which the forest dwellers are getting additional income of about Rs 502 crore every year. More than 13 lakh poor and tribal minor forest produce collectors are getting its benefit. Moreover, the state government has increased the number of minor forest produce to be purchased at minimum support price from 07 to 52.
Along with this, the minimum support price for minor forest produce of 17 main species has also been increased. Under the guidance of Forest Minister Mohammad Akbar, several welfare schemes are being efficiently operated in the interest of the tribal forests and minor forest produce collectors in Chhattisgarh. Under this, every necessary initiative is being taken to get the maximum benefit from the collection of minor forest produce to the forest dwellers through processing and marketing.
52 minor forest produce species were started to be procured at the minimum support price by the state government, fulfilling its promises. According to the information received from the State Minor Forest Produce Association in the year 2018, the collection rate of tendu leaves was Rs 2500 per standard bag, it has increased to Rs 4000 per standard bag. Earlier in the year 2019, 13 lakh tendu patta collectors got an additional income of Rs 225 crore. Similarly, in the year 2018, the rate of Mahua flower was increased from Rs 17 per kg to Rs 30. This resulted in an additional income of Rs.104 crore to the forest dwellers.