Bonus on forest produce to boost biz in Chhattisgarh's Naxal-infested areas

Over 1.2 million collectors, mostly tribals in Bastar, will be the beneficiaries of the sop

Chhattisgarh government’s decision to give bonus to collectors of minor forest produces (MFP) will strengthen the rural economy in the Naxal-infested areas.

The state government has announced a bonus of Rs 1 per kilogram for sal seed and Rs 7 per kilogram of tamarind. While the bonus on other MFPs ranges between 10 to 20 per cent, the government has announced 40 per cent bonus for tamarind collectors.  With the bonus, sal seed and tamarind collectors will get Rs 13 and Rs 25 per kilogram, respectively.

The annual trade of non-specified MFP in the state is estimated to be Rs