Abstract:

Minor Forest Produce forms the largest unorganized sector, often leading to unsustainable harvesting of these forest products. Despite this, the communities remain largely deprived and impoverished. TERI's research against this background has helped to set up a methodology to determine the Minimum Support Price of 12 identified products, such as tamarind, honey, mahua seeds and tendu leaves, which will enhance the income of produce collectors. Owing to the large domestic and international demand for MFPs, there is tremendous potential to create large-scale employment opportunities for rural people, especially women, and help reduce poverty and empower communities.