(a) whether the Government has any proposal to set up a mechanism for declaring ‘Minimum Support Price’ (MSP) for minor forest produce in the
country;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the extent to which it will be benefited to people living in and around the forests?
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRIMATI JAYANTHI NATARAJAN):
(a) to (c) The Ministry of Panchayati Raj has constituted a Committee under the chairmanship of Dr. T. Haque to look into
different aspects of Minor Forest Produce (MFP) management which has recommended for fixation of Minimum Support Price (MSP) for major MFPs in
its final report. To operationalize the MSP for selected MFPs, the Planning Commission has suggested for Central Price Fixation Commission for
MFP as an autonomous body under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs. All primary collectors including tribal and people living in and
around the forests involved in the MFP collection will be benefitted.