(a) whether the Shellac and Forests Products Export Promotion Council (SHEFEXIL), a body under the Ministry of Commerce had decided to establish a “senna and medicinal park†in
Tuticorin in 2006;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the above park has been established;
(d) if so, the details thereof and if not the reasons therefor; and
(e) the steps taken by the Government to encourage the export of minor forest products
from the country?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (SHRI JYOTIRADITYA M. SCINDIA)
a) to d): No, Madam.
e): The Ministry of Commerce & Industry has designated Shellac & Forest Products Export
Promotion Council as the nodal export promotion council to oversee development and export
promotion of minor forest produce and their value added products. Besides, Visesh Krishi and
Gram Udyog Yojana (VKGUY) scheme benefit under Foreign Trade Policy, 2004-09 is also given
to exporters of Minor Forest Produce and their value added products. Exporters of Minor Forest
Produce are also eligible for assistance under Market Development Assistance (MDA) and Market
Access Initiatives (MAI) schemes of the government for undertaking activities for trade
promotion.