Proposal to Fix Market Linked Minimum Support Price

On the recommendation of committee of Secretaries, Ministry of Panchayati Raj constituted a committee under the chairmanship of Dr. T. Haque on 23.08.2010 to suggest appropriate measures for implementation of provisions regarding Ownership, Price Fixation, Value Addition and Marketing of Minor Forest Produce (MFP). Government proposes to fix market linked Minimum Support Price (MSP) for 13 Minor Forest produces (Tendu, Bamboo, Mahua flower, Mahua seed, Sal leaf, Sal seed, Lac, Chironji, Wind honey, Myrobalan, Tamarind, Gums and Karanj) to increase the income of crores of tribals and forest dwellers.

The Minimum Support Price (MSP) Scheme is to be introduced in 9 Panchayat Extension to Scheduled Areas (PESA) States namely Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Orissa, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh & Himachal Pradesh. These are the States which produce items covered under MSP Scheme.

Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India Ltd. (TRIFED) is proposed to be designated as the Nodal Agency entrusted with the task of coordinating and implementing the Scheme and implementing agency for procurement & marketing of Minor Forest Produce from their States designated by the respective State Governments.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Tribal Affairs Smt. Ranee Narah in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.

Samir/DB