Procurement of minor forest produce dips 92% in 2024-25, Pg14

Key Highlights:

• Procurement of Minor Forest Produce (MFP) at Minimum Support Price (MSP) declined by 92% between 2023-24 and 2024-25 across 19 states.
• Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram presented the data in Parliament in response to a question from Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.
• The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has released ₹319.65 crore to state governments for MFP procurement at MSP to date.

Detailed Insights:

• The sharp decline indicates potential challenges in the implementation of the MSP scheme for MFP, impacting tribal livelihoods.
• Minor Forest Produce includes non-timber forest products that are a significant source of income and sustenance for tribal communities.
• The MSP scheme aims to provide fair prices to tribal gatherers, protecting them from exploitation by intermediaries and ensuring sustainable harvesting.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Minor Forest Produce (MFP): Non-timber forest products like bamboo, honey, and medicinal plants, providing livelihood to tribal communities.
• Minimum Support Price (MSP): A price set by the government to purchase certain crops/products from farmers/gatherers to protect them from market fluctuations.