Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Mr. Vishnu Deo Sai attended the swearing-in ceremony of newly appointed Chairman Mr. Roop Sai Salam and Vice Chairman Mr. Yagyadutt Sharma of the Chhattisgarh State Minor Forest Produce (Trade and Development) Cooperative Federation Limited. The event, held at the Medical College Auditorium in Raipur, marked a significant moment for an organisation central to the livelihoods of lakhs of forest dwellers across the state. The Chief Minister extended best wishes to both leaders and emphasised their important role in uplifting tribal communities.
Chief Minister Highlights Tribal-Centric Development Vision
Mr. Sai noted that Mr. Salam, belonging to the tribal community himself, deeply understands the issues, aspirations and expectations of forest dwellers. He expressed confidence that the new Chairman will deliver meaningful results through sensitivity and experience. He added that the state government remains committed to increasing the income of forest-dependent families and supporting their holistic development.
The Chief Minister referred to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s vision behind creating the state of Chhattisgarh—a vision rooted in empowering tribal populations. He stated that current national initiatives such as the Dharti Aba Gram Utkarsh Yojana and the PM Janman Yojana are significantly strengthening development efforts in tribal-dominated regions.
Value Addition and Record Tendu Leaf Prices Strengthen Rural Income
Mr. Sai highlighted that tendu leaf collectors in Chhattisgarh are being paid the highest prices in India. Increased focus on value addition in minor forest produce continues to boost rural income and economic independence. He reiterated that the state government’s priority is to translate natural resources into direct prosperity for tribal households.
Forest Minister Mr. Kedar Kashyap echoed these sentiments, noting that 32% of the state’s population is tribal, and 44% of its total geographical area is forested. He said forest produce remains the main livelihood source, and described tendu leaves as “green gold.” Under the Chief Minister’s leadership, the price per standard bag of tendu leaves has been increased from Rs. 4,000 to Rs. 5,500—making Chhattisgarh the first state in the country to implement such a significant price hike.
Schemes Strengthening Forest-Based Livelihoods
Mr. Kashyap also noted that the Charan Paduka Yojana has been revived, and multiple schemes are being executed to improve the standard of living of forest-produce collector families. These initiatives focus on better working conditions, higher earnings and long-term socio-economic wellbeing for tribal communities.
Broad Participation at the Swearing-In Ceremony
The programme saw the attendance of Health Minister Mr. Shyam Bihari Jaiswal, NAN Chairman Mr. Sanjay Srivastava, Yoga Commission Chairman Mr. Roop Narayan Sinha, Tribal Local Health Tradition and Medicinal Plant Board Chairman Mr. Vikas Markam, Waqf Board Chairman Dr. Salim Raj, Vanbal Chief Mr. V. Srinivas Rao, members of the Minor Forest Produce Association and hundreds of forest-produce collectors from across Chhattisgarh.
