Ban on Sal seed collection lifted in MP

Bhopal, Jun 21: The Madhya Pradesh government has lifted the five-year ban on collection of Sal seed from the forests and ordered to start collection of the minor forest produce from 2008 along with raising the collection rate to Rs 1000 from Rs 450 per quintal.

The ban was lifted keeping in view the problems of forest dwellers and on the basis of scientific studies, official sources said today.

The Madhya Pradesh Minor Forest Produce Federation at its annual meeting here decided to distribute Rs 100 crore as bonus to tendu (bidi) leaf pluckers this year. The tendu leaf pluckers would also be provided shoes, water bottle, pressure cooker and umbrella.

Tendu leaf collection rate had also been raised to Rs 550 from Rs 400 per standard bag.

Primary cooperative societies engaged in collection of minor forest produce would observe 'Vanopaj Diwas'' on July 25.

UNI