Jharkhand Mahua Board Proposed: Boosting Rural Economy and Livelihoods

Ranchi: A delegation of the Federation of Jharkhand Chamber of Commerce and Industries (FJCCI) on Monday urged state rural development minister Dipika Pandey Singh to form a state mahua board on the lines of makhana board in Bihar.

The delegation said the move would provide mahua and those associated with its cultivation and allied works a much needed boost for creation of organised markets.Mahua or ‘madhuca longifolia’ is considered sacred among tribals due to its medicinal values. Mahua flowers are found in abundance across the state’s forested regions, which are sources of sustenance for many forest dwellers.FJCCI general secretary Rohit Agarwal said, “Formation of state mahua board will boost mahua production and its proper market linkage, which in turn, will help in economic and job creation in rural areas.

Giving mahua-based economy a proper direction will help boost rural livelihood. A board will help in ideation, preparing plans, and implementation in this field,” adding that the minister has in-principle agreed on the plan, stating they would dwell on it further to do the needful.“Steps should be taken to encourage industrial establishment in rural areas due to the limited availability of land in urban areas. Attracting investors through concessional land rates and subsidies in rural areas would not only accelerate the rural economy but also enable employment generation in rural areas,” the delegates stressed.

They also demanded extension of MEMU trains in all districts for ease of mobility between rural and urban areas. “Currently MEMU trains are operating from Ranchi to Lohardaga, Tori, and Asansol, which enables a large number of people from rural areas to come to the city and return by evening. MEMU trains should be connected to other districts as well,” the delegation said.