 "Photo: Wikimedia Commons")
In another set of relaxations in the guidelines to the rural sector amid the Covid-19 crisis, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Friday allowed collection, harvesting, and processing of minor forest produce that includes non-timber items such as tendu and sal, among others. The move is expected to benefit scheduled tribes and other forest dwellers in tribal areas.
The relaxation came close on the heels of reports that the government is expected to increase the minimum support price (MSP) of these minor forest produce by 16-30 per cent. The MSP and procurement of minor forest produce are done by the
