Chhattisgarh Forest Department / NWFP Certification

Ex-situ conservation and propagation activities will comprise of raising plantation of economically important and endangered species of local area on the degraded forestland. In order to replenish biodiversity, locally extinct species will be introduced. High yielding, fast growing and genetically superior species will be planted in Ex-situ areas. The species selected for propagation are Safed musli, Shatawar, Aonla,. Ashwagandha, Baibidang, Sannai leaves, Sarpgandha, Baichandi, Lemon grass, Buch etc. The area will be protected by FPC/VFG members and they will share the usufruct. Farmers will also be encouraged to take up planting/cultivation of NWFP including medicinal plants on agro-forestry models. The income obtained from the Ex-situ area will be deposited in Samiti's account as revolving fund for future maintenance.

Nursery and Demonstration plots of 2 hectare have been established in PPA unit at Rajiv Nagar, Dugli. Main aim of establishing nursery is to prepare genetically superior seedlings of important medicinal plants like Safed Musli,. Shatawar, Biabirang, Ashwangadha, Sarpgandha, Ishabgol, Peng seed and other non-wood forest species. The stock prepared in nursery will be used in In-situ and Ex-situ areas and also given to those farmers who are eager to grow on their farmlands. Subsequently elite genotypes of some economically important species like Aonla, Achar, Harra and Baheda are also being introduced in the natural forest stands and further planting stock would be prepared from such genotypes by modern scientific methods like grafting, tissue culture and budding.

Villagers are being trained by regular trainings for adopting proper techniques of harvesting different parts of medicinal plants. Appropriate techniques of harvesting and treatment are being taught to the villagers so that best quality material may be supplied to purchasers.

The MFP collected by local tribal villagers are generally of low quality and so if it is processed and value addition work is done at village level, their income will be enhanced largely.

Therefore, a processing cum training center has been established in PPA. Simple processing methods like drying, thrashing, pulverizing, decorticating, definitely increase the value of NWFP. Ketaki rope making unit, Mahul leaf plate making unit, Chiraunji decortications, Honey processor has been established at 'Dugli grading and processing cum training centre'.

After having engaged and encouraged local villagers for protection of area, the- regeneration status of the. forests has tremendously Increased.

Dhamtari is a very old and famous NWFP market in India. About 20 traders are involved in this business. They get the material from middlemen (Kochia) and supply to pharmacies and drug houses. Due to exploitation by middleman and inadequate marketing facilities villagers don't get real value of the forest produce. Therefore, market studies and its proper linkage with purchasers and villagers through MOU etc. are being encouraged.

A Van Aushadhalay (Herbal Treatment Centre) has been established where local Vaidyas (Traditional medicinal practitioners) are giving treatment to local villagers using local medicinal plants.