Raipur, In a joint conference of Collectors and Divisional Forest Officers (DFOs) chaired by Chief Minister Mr. Vishnu Deo Sai at the Mantralaya (Mahanadi Bhavan) today, detailed discussions were held on various aspects of forest management in the state, welfare of tendu leaf collectors, value addition of minor forest produce, eco-tourism, cultivation of medicinal plants, and livelihood associated with forests.
Chief Minister Mr. Vishnu Deo Sai said that the number of tendu leaf collector beneficiaries has now exceeded 12 lakh, which is a testament to the success of our collective efforts. He stated that all of you deserve congratulations for this achievement.
The Chief Minister emphasized the need to maximize the value addition of forest produce. He said that the number of Van Dhan Kendras in the state needs to be increased so that villagers can have more avenues for income and move towards self-reliance.
Chief Minister Mr. Sai informed that the state now has 46 percent forest cover, reflecting an increase of approximately two percent. He attributed this achievement to the significant contributions of initiatives like the CAMPA scheme and “One Tree for Mother”. District officials were instructed during the conference to ensure tendu leaf collectors are paid within seven to fifteen days. Furthermore, payment information should be sent directly to the collectors’ mobile phones via SMS to maintain transparency. It was informed in the meeting that the details of approximately 15.60 lakh collectors have been registered online, and all payments are being made through bank accounts. The Chief Minister directed to further accelerate the initiative for complete computerization of the tendu leaf collection process.
Discussions were also held in the conference to enhance promotional activities for the expansion of medicinal plant cultivation and to seek assistance from the field staff of the Agriculture and Horticulture departments for this purpose.
The meeting reviewed the tendu leaf collection in Bijapur, Sukma, and Narayanpur districts during the previous season. Instructions were also given to prepare a preliminary action plan for the upcoming season to ensure timely benefits for the collectors and avoid any delays.
Chief Minister Mr. Sai stated that minor forest produce should be developed as a major source of livelihood in the tribal-dominated areas. The meeting included a productive discussion on promoting minor forest produce-based startups and strengthening Van Dhan Kendras, which could provide a new direction to the rural economy.
Special emphasis was placed on the promotion of products under the Chhattisgarh Herbal and Sanjeevani brands. The meeting directed that the sales of these products should be increased in both rural and urban markets to develop a strong market network for local products. Additionally, emphasis was placed on expeditiously completing the process of organic certification for the products.
Forest Minister Mr. Kedar Kashyap expressed his gratitude to Chief Minister Mr. Vishnu Deo Sai for organizing the meeting of forest officials for the first time. He stated that if all Collectors and Forest Officers coordinate and work jointly, it will yield excellent results.
Forest Minister Mr. Kashyap mentioned that eco-tourism is being particularly promoted in the Bastar and Sarguja divisions. A concrete strategy is needed to link it with livelihood. He informed that the state government is now going to procure 75 types of minor forest produce, which will provide new strength to the rural economy. He also added that Chhattisgarh holds the second position in the country in lac production, and with a solid action plan and targeted efforts, the state can achieve the first position nationally.
During the meeting, instructions were given to formulate a special plan to promote medicinal plant cultivation. DFOs present were provided detailed information on subjects related to medicinal plant cultivation in Dhamtari, Mungeli, and Gaurela-Pendra-Marwahi (GPM) districts.
The meeting informed that the cultivation of medicinal plants will not only help in increasing people’s livelihoods but will also advance the knowledge of traditional healing practices. The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Medicinal Plant Board presented detailed information about the available opportunities in this sector and the chances for increasing people’s income.
All Divisional Commissioners, District Collectors, and Forest Circle Officers were present on this occasion.
