Chhattisgarh records largest participation in forest produce collection amid lockdown

At a time when forest-based ecomic activities came to a halt throughout country due to COVID-19 lockdown, Chhattisgarh registered maximum participation in forest produce collection.

"On same te, revenue of forest dwellers is expected to be about Rs 2,500 crore. According to data received from TRIFED, one lakh quintal forest produce has been collected in state so far, for which collectors have been paid about Rs 30.20 crore," an official statement read.

As factories closed down during lockdown, unemployment deepened in country. However, in Chhattisgarh, forest dwellers were employed in garing forest produce and providing forest cover in this crisis. This has ensured smooth running of ecomy, it said.

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state collects 15 lakh standard sacks of tendu leaves every year, proving employment to 12.65 lakh families. value of tendu leaves has been increased to Rs 4,000 per standard bag by state government, giving m a direct benefit of Rs 649 crore. Chhattisgarh government has also increased minimum support price mechanism for forest products from Rs 7 to 25.

Through Forest Development Corporation, about 14,000 youths are being given employment through construction of bamboo tree guards, bamboo furniture manufacturing, and planting of medicinal plants through Vanaushadhi Board.

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Plans to increase production

With help of CFTRI Mysore, State pans to produce Mahua-based energy bar, chocolate, pickle, sanitiser, amla-based dehydrated products, tamarind candy, Jamun juice, bell sharbat, bell marmalade, chironji, and cashew packets.

move is expected to employment to more than 5,000 families. income of forest dwellers has increased significantly due to collection of mir forest produce.

"Tea plantations in Jashpur and Surguja districts directly benefit beneficiaries. During crisis of COVID-19, 1,000 women have got employment through sewing of 50 lakh masks. In current year, about 12 thousand women have received an additional income of Rs 3.23 crore from primary processing of tamarind. In order to increase income of forest dwellers, 18.56 lakh fruitful and beneficial varieties of saplings were planted on ir own land of 10,497 forest dwellers in 2019," statement said.

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(With inputs from ANI)

(Im for representation)