Chhattisgarh registers the largest participation in forest produce collection

The state of Chhattisgarh is leading in the entire nation in terms of forest conservation today. During the Covid-19 lockdown period, where forest-based economic activities were stalled throughout the countr y, Chhattisgarh registered good number of achievements during this period under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel. Amid lockdown, Chhattisgarh registered maximum participation in forest produce collection. On the same note, the revenue of forest dwellers is expected to be about Rs 2500 crore. According to the data received from TRIFED, one lakh quintal forest produce has been collected in the state so far, for which collectors have been paid about 30 crore 20 lakh rupees. While the corona virus epidemic has destroyed the economy of the whole world, at the same time, the collection of tribal forest produce in Chhattisgarh is keeping in pace with the livelihood of tribals as well as boosting the economy of the state.

In Chhattisgarh, the state government has increased the number of forest products purchased through the minimum support price mechanism from 7 to 25 now. A total of Rs 930 crore of forest produce brought under the purview of the scheme is traded in the state. The forest produce is being procured through 866 hot markets. 10 lakh man-days of employment are being created in the state through wood art development, lac bangles manufacturing, dona-pattal making, drug processing etc.