Discussions Held on Enhancing Tribal Income Through Minor Forest Produce Initiatives*

Raipur, / A detailed discussion was held on developing an effective tribal cooperative model for mahua processing in the Abujhmad region under tribal leadership. The meeting also reviewed plans to establish Mahua processing centres under the Van Dhan Yojana and TRIFED to enhance the income of tribal communities and strengthen value addition in the collection of minor forest produce. The meeting also reviewed tendupatta procurement activities across the state. The high-level review meeting of the Chhattisgarh State Minor Forest Produce Cooperative Federation was chaired by Chief Secretary Shri Vikas Sheel at Mahanadi Bhawan in Raipur on May 20.

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*Multiple Mahua-Based Products Being Developed by Van Dhan Committees*

Officials informed the meeting that Van Dhan cooperative committees are already producing a range of value-added products from mahua flowers. These products include Mahua laddoos, cookies, Mahua squash, pickles, and other processed items. The government is also encouraging local entrepreneurs to establish production units to promote Mahua processing on a larger scale.

*Focus on Financial Transparency and Welfare of Tendupatta Collectors*

 Discussions were held on protecting government revenue in the tendu trade while ensuring maximum financial benefits for collectors.

Officials stated that the Chhattisgarh State Minor Forest Produce Cooperative Federation has implemented a fully transparent online payment system for tendupatta collectors. Under the system, payments are transferred directly to collectors' bank accounts via a modern digital platform.

Senior officials from various departments attended the meeting, including Additional Chief Secretary of Forest and Climate Change Department Shri Manoj Kumar Pingua, Additional Chief Secretary of Panchayat and Rural Development Department Smt. Richa Sharma, Principal Secretary of Tribal Development Department Shri Sonmani Bora, Finance Secretary Shri Rohit Yadav, Commerce and Industry Secretary Shri Rajat Kumar, Revenue and Disaster Management Secretary Smt. Shammi Abidi, Home Secretary Smt Neha Champawat, and PCCF Shri Srinivas Rao. Senior officers of the Forest Department and the Minor Forest Produce Federation were also present during the meeting.

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