Centre extends MSP scheme for minor forest produce to entire country

In a bid to provide a wider platform to tribals to sell their produce, the government on Monday announced extension of the Minimum Support Price (MSP) scheme for Minor Forest Produce (MFP) to all the states in the country.

Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram made the announcement regarding pan-India extension of the scheme -- initially introduced in nine states in 2014 -- during a National Workshop on Minimum Support Price for Minor Forest Produce here.

The MFP could be the largest generator of revenue after minerals, he added.

Oram emphasised on the use of social media and new technology to help the tribals sell their produces at best prices.

In the workshop, Tribal CoOperative Marketing Development Federation (TRIFED) signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Amazon Seller Services for the sale of tribal products through the e-commerce platform.

The MSP, a form of market intervention by the government, for MFP scheme provides a safety net for the tribals against excessive fall in the forest produce's prices.

MFP is a major source of livelihood for tribals, who belong to the poorest of the poor sections of society.

--IANS

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