(a) whether the Government has formulated any scheme to increase the production of Minor
Forest Produce (MFP) and to develop its collection and distribution system; and
(b) if so, the details thereof along with the financial assistance allocated/released to
the States under the scheme during each of the last three years and the current year, State/
UT-wise?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF TRIBAL AFFAIRS (SMT. RANEE NARAH)
(a): No Scheme has been formulated by the Ministry to increase production of Minor Forest
Produce (MFP). However, scientific harvesting, primary value-addition, storage along with
Research & Development efforts with regard to MFP is being supported through a Central Sector
Scheme of ‘Grants-in-Aid to State Tribal Development Cooperative Corporations (STDCCs) for
Minor Forest Produce (MFP) Operations’.
The Government has also recently approved a Centrally Sponsored Scheme of “Mechanism for
Marketing of Minor Forest Produce (MFP) through Minimum Support Price (MSP) and Development
of value Chain for MFPâ€. To start with, the Scheme is being implemented in eight States namely,
Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Rajasthan and
Gujarat for 12 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 which are not nationalized by the State Government concerned.
The Scheme seeks to establish a system to ensure fair monetary returns for the MFP they collect
by fixing Minimum Support Price. It also supports primary value-addition of MFP, provides for
supply chain infrastructure like cold storage, warehouses etc. and emphasizes on scientific
harvesting of MFP.
(b) : The details of financial assistance allocated/ released to the States under the Central
Sector Scheme of ‘Grants-in-Aid to State Tribal Development Cooperative Corporations (STDCCs)
during each of the last three years and the current year is at Annex.