Kumar Bahukhandi
The Path to Self-Reliance Through Minor Forest Produce – Chief Minister Sai Sets Out a Roadmap for Green Development-Photo Credit-CG/PR
Raipur: The Collector-DFO Joint Conference, chaired by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, held on Monday October 13, 2025 at the Secretariat (Mahanadi Bhawan), discussed in detail the state’s forest management, the interests of tendu leaf collectors, value addition of minor forest produce, eco-tourism, medicinal plant cultivation, and various aspects of forest-related livelihoods.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai stated that the number of tendu leaf collector beneficiaries has exceeded 1.2 million today, a testament to the success of our collective efforts. He expressed his gratitude to all for this achievement.
The Chief Minister said that the need of the hour is to maximise the value addition of forest produce. He stated that there is a need to increase the number of Van Dhan Kendras in the state so that villagers can access more income sources and move towards self-reliance.
Chief Minister Sai further said that the state now has 46 percent forest cover, representing an increase of approximately two percent. He stated that innovative initiatives like the CAMPA scheme and “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” have played a significant role in this achievement. District officials were directed at the conference to ensure payments to tendu leaf collectors within seven to fifteen days. Payment information should also be sent directly to collectors’ mobile phones via SMS to maintain transparency.
The meeting was informed that the details of approximately 1.56 million collectors have been registered online, and all payments are being made through bank accounts. The Chief Minister directed the initiative to further accelerate the complete computerization of the tendu leaf collection process.
The conference also discussed increasing publicity activities to expand the cultivation of medicinal plants, and enlisting the assistance of field staff from the Agriculture and Horticulture Department.
The meeting reviewed the collection of tendu leaves from the previous season in Bijapur, Sukma, and Narayanpur districts. Instructions were given to prepare a pre-plan for the upcoming season so that collectors can receive timely benefits and avoid any delays.
Minor Forest Produce-Based Startups and Van Dhan Kendras Will Be Encouraged
Chief Minister Sai added hat minor forest produce should be developed as a major source of livelihood in forest areas. The meeting held meaningful discussions on promoting minor forest produce-based startups and strengthening Van Dhan Kendras, which could give a new direction to the rural economy.
Special emphasis was laid on promoting Chhattisgarh Herbal and Sanjivani brand products. Instructions were given to increase sales of these products in both rural and urban markets to develop a strong market network for local products. Emphasis was also laid on expediting the organic certification process for these products.
Forest Minister Kedar Kashyap expressed his gratitude to Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai for organising the first meeting of forest officials. He said that if all the collectors and forest officials coordinate and work together, it will yield very positive results.
Forest Minister Kashyap said that eco-tourism is being promoted especially in Bastar and Surguja divisions. A concrete strategy is needed to link it with livelihoods. He informed that the state government is now going to purchase 75 types of minor forest produce, which will give a new boost to the rural economy. He also said that Chhattisgarh ranks second in the country in lac production, and if a concrete action plan is developed and targeted work is done, the state can achieve the first position in the country.
New Initiative to Expand Cultivation of Medicinal Plants
Instructions were given at the meeting to prepare a special plan to promote the cultivation of medicinal plants. The DFOs present were given detailed information on topics related to medicinal plant cultivation in Dhamtari, Mungeli, and Gaurela-Pendra-Marwahi (GPM) districts.
The meeting was informed that medicinal plant cultivation would not only help enhance people’s livelihoods but also advance knowledge of traditional healing methods. The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Medicinal Plant Board presented detailed information about the potential available in this sector and the opportunities for increasing people’s income.
All Divisional Commissioners, District Collectors, and Divisional Forest Officers were present on the occasion.
