Government fixes support prices of 10 minor forest produce

NEW DELHI: The government has announced minimum support prices for 10 minor forest produce, such as honey, tamarind and sal leaves, the Rajya Sabha was informed today.

Replying to a question, Minister of State for Tribal Affairs Mansukhbhai Dhanjibhai Vasava said the minimum support price (MSP) for per kg of tamarind has been fixed at Rs 22, for honey at Rs 132 and for Gum Karaya at Rs 108.

The MSP for Karanj Seed is fixed at Rs 21, Sal Seed at Rs 10, Mahua Seed at Rs 22, Sal Leaves at Rs 21 and Chironjee Pods with seeds at Rs 100.

The support price of Myrobalan is Rs 11, Lac Rangini at Rs 230 and Lac Kusumi at Rs 320, the minister said.

'Minor forest produce' includes all non-timber forest produce of plant origin including bamboo, brush wood, stumps, cane, tussar, cocoons, honey, wax, lac, tendu or kendu leaves, medicinal plants and herbs, roots, tubers and the likes, he added.