The state forests are scientifically managed through working plans. Considering the importance of MFP in the state economy, the State Govt. has declared the state as “Herbal State” to focus on the activities of conservation, sustainable utilization, processing and marketing of MFP. Accordingly CGMFP Federation is taking the needed steps. 

Conservation of Ecosystems rich in NWFP Through PPA’S
         People’s protected areas (PPA) are forest areas rich in MFP conserved and managed with the concept of ecosystem management aiming at increase in total biodiversity and biomass. Forest area rich in MFP is identified in each forest division for conservation and intensive management with active involvement of local communities. The minimum area under each PPA is not less then 3000 ha. Every year 1000 ha. of forest land is brought under in-situ conservation with effectively protecting the remaining area against fire and grazing etc. The various components under this program are as follows .
 
Minor Forest Produce Resource Inventory and Assessment
         Main objective of Resource inventory is to identify the species, density, yield both wood and non-wood and related parameters. This information can enable planners in identifying the target species for conservation and sustainable harvesting besides estimating safe yield, impact of management practices so as to decide future course of management.

        Resource inventory covers all the three canopies of forest i.e. top canopy, middle canopy and Ground flora. The inventory is carried out in in-situ conservation area under PPA’s. The procedure of inventory is narrated in brief. 

• Resource inventory is done in the month of September – October every year to collect the maximum information about all the three canopies especially ground flora.

• The resource in PPA area (1000 ha. forest) is assessed by laying out systematic sample plots of 0.1 ha. at corners of grids of size 450m. x 450m. and collecting the information on trees, shrubs, herbs and climbers.

• 5 quadrats of 2m x 2m are laid in this 0.1 ha plot for collecting the information on regeneration of tree species.

• 4 quadrats of 5m x 5m are laid in this.0.1 ha plot for collecting the information on herbs, shrubs and climbers including medicinal plants.

• The entire information is systematically recorded in standard formats and computerized in the software developed for this purpose.

• Samples of useful parts of the plants are collected for assessing green and dry weights of useful part of the plant.

• Analysis of these information leads to yield of the forest produce from the area.

The main outputs of the resource inventory and assessment can be summarized as

• Listing of species in different canopies.

• Status of regeneration of various tree species

• Total growing stock from trees and of MFP from trees, shrubs and herbs .

• Total yield of MFP from trees, shrubs and herbs including climbers.

• Sustainable yield of MFP adopting non-destructive harvesting methodologies.

• Thematic maps on species distribution and their regeneration status

• Impact of management practices

In-situ-Conservation
         This is the area under intensive management. Main operations carried out are cultural operations to promote the growth of threatened and vulnerable species and soil moisture conservation measures in the area to enhance the biodiversity and biomass of all the species. Entire area is marked and brought under strict protection against fire and  grazing etc. with active involvement of forest protection committees.

Non Destructive Harvesting 
         The rural communities/forest committees are involved and motivated to harvest the forest produce nondestructively on sustainable basis to improve the quality of the produce and maintain the health of forest. Social customs/practices are also used to sustain the non destructive harvesting practices. For example, the collection of Amla is started after amlanavmi  and Amla Fruits are mature by that time.

Processing 
           The local communities are being trained in primary processing of forest produce near the source of production for value addition so as to get the better price. Drying sheds/platforms are constructed in all PPA’s for this purpose. Equipment such as pulverizers, oil extraction units, and honey filtration units are established for processing. Now some of the forest committees have acquired skills of producing some herbal products, such as triphala, various churnas, lehyas, tikhur powder, baichandi chips, filtered honey and  mahul leaf plates and cups. It is being attempted to involve experts for further development in this sector.

Local Herbal Medication Practices Through Van Aushadalayas
         Van aushadalayas are constructed. The local traditional healers treat the patients with traditional herbal medicines. Local vaidyas having traditional knowledge on herbal medication practices are recognized and promoted. These methods and practices are being documented for further development. 

Capacity Building 
          Capacity building of local communities along with forest staff for nondestructive harvesting, resources survey and primary processing and value addition of M.F.P. is the important component of this scheme. Training, field visits and other extension activities are organised by involving experts.
 

Content Provided By "Chhattisgarh State Minor Forest Produce Co-Operative Federation Ltd."
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