Question : MSP FOR MEDICINAL PLANTS

(a) whether the Government proposes to assure Minimum Support Price (MSP) to minor forest produce including medicinal plants so as to encourage farmers to take up cultivation of such plants on a larger scale;

(b) if so, details of thereof and the present status thereof ;

(c) whether the States have urged the Government for procurement of medicinal plants through the Governments Medicinal Plants Farms and Herbal Medicine Corporation Limited in the event of prices in open market going below MSP; and

(d) if so, the details thereof and the steps taken along with the guidelines issued by the Union Government in this regard?

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

(a): The Government has introduced a new Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Mechanism for marketing of Minor Forest Produce (MFP) through Minimum Support Price (MSP) and Development of Value Chain for MFP as a measure of social safety for MFP gatherers.

(b): The scheme covers twelve MFP namely (i) Tendu, (ii) Bamboo, (iii) Mahuwa Seed, (iv) Sal Leaf, (v) Sal Seed, (vi) Lac, (vii) Chironjee, (viii) Wild Honey, (ix) Myrobalan, (x) Tamarind, (xi) Gums (Gum Karaya) and(xii) Karanj out of which MFP Honey, Myrobalan, Gum karaya are among the major traded Medicinal Plants. The scheme seeks to establish a system to ensure fair monetary returns for their efforts in collection, primary processing, storage, packaging, transportation etc. It also seeks to get them a share of revenue from the sales proceeds with cost deducted. It also aims to address other medium & long term issues like sustainable collection, value addition, infrastructure development, knowledge base expansion of MFP, market intelligence development, strengthening the bargaining power of Gram Sabha/ Panchayat. The Scheme was launched in the year 2013-14 for its implementation during the 12th plan period and beyond based on its evaluation. The minimum support price for 10 MFP has been already announced and necessary working capital has been also released to the concerned States by this Ministry.

(c): No such proposal has been received from the State Governments.

(d): Does not arise in view of (c) above.