Question : MECHANISM FOR MARKETING OF MFP

(a) whether the Government is aware that the Mechanism for Marketing of Minor Forest Produce (MFP) through Minimum Support Price (MSP) is available only to such areas that are listed in the Fifth Schedule to the Constitution;

(b) If so, the reasons therefor; and

(c) the steps taken by the Government to extend the Mechanism for Marketing of Minor Forest Produce (MFP) through Minimum Support Price (MSP) to the tribal communities of all tribal areas of the country including Kerala, which are excluded from the Fifth Schedule but are significantly dependent upon forest produce?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF TRIBAL AFFAIRS (SHRI MANSUKHBHAI DHANJIBHAI VASAVA)

(a): Yes, Madam. The scheme Mechanism for Marketing of Minor Forest Produce (MFP) through Minimum Support Price (MSP) and Development of Value Chain for MFP launched during the year 2013-14, has been implemented initially in the States having areas listed under Fifth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.

(b): The scheme has been implemented in the States having Fifth Schedule Areas except Himachal Pradesh, as these States account for a major portion of identified MFP.

(c): At present there is no proposal to extend the scheme in other States including Kerala. However, for marketing and promotion of MFP and other products of tribal people, another scheme Institutional Support for Development and Marketing of Tribal Products /Produce is also implemented by the Ministry which provides funds to the State Tribal Development Cooperative Corporations, State Forest Development Corporations etc. for Market Intervention, Training and skill up-gradation, R&D/IPR Activity and Supply Chain Infrastructure Development. This scheme covers all the States including Kerala.