From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Forest produces, MSP
Mains level: MSP for MFPs
14 new Minor Forest produce items have been included under the Mechanism for Marketing of Minor Forest Produce through Minimum Support Price scheme.
Which are the 14 new MFP?
Tasar Cocoon, Cashew Kernel (Anacardiumoccidentale), Elephant Apple Dry, Bamboo Shoot (Phyllostachys edulis), Malkangani Seed, Mahul Leaves, Nagod (Vitex negundo), Gokhru (Tribulus terrestris), Pipla/ Uchithi, Gamhar/ Gamari (dry bark), Oroxylumindicum, Wild Mushroom dry, Shringraj (Eclipta Alba), Tree Moss (Bryophytes).
Now try this PYQ from CSP 2018:
Q. Consider the following:
- Areca nut
- Barley
- Coffee
- Finger millet
- Groundnut
- Sesamum
- Turmeric
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has announced the Minimum Support Price for which of the above?
(a) 1, 2, 3 and 7 only
(b) 2, 4, 5 and 6 only
(c) 1, 3, 4, 5 and 6 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 7
About MSP for MFP Scheme
- Under the scheme, Minimum Support Price for Minor Forest Produce (MFP) has been fixed for select MFP.
- The scheme is designed as a social safety net for improvement of livelihood of MFP gatherers by providing them fair price for the MFPs they collect.
- The Scheme has been implemented in eight States having Schedule areas as listed in the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution of India.
- From November 2016, the scheme is applicable in all States.
Back2Basics: Forest Produce in India
- Forest produce is defined under section 2(4) of the Indian Forest Act, 1927.
- Its legal definition includes timber, charcoal, catechu, wood-oil, resin, natural varnish, bark, lac, mahua flowers, trees and leaves, flowers and fruit, plants (including grass, creepers, reeds and moss), wild animals, skins, tusks, horns, bones, cocoons, silk, honey, wax, etc.
- Forest produce can be divided into several categories.
- From the point of view of usage, forest produce can be categorized into three types: Timber, Non-Timber and Minor Minerals.
- Non-timber forest products [NTFPs] are known also as minor forest produce (MFP) or non-wood forest produces (NWFP).
- The NTFP can be further categorized into medicinal and aromatic plants (MAP), oilseeds, fibre & floss, resins, edible plants, bamboo, reeds and grasses.
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