Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav stated that, under the guidance of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Madhya Pradesh Government is continuously progressing on the path of development while conserving forest wealth and wildlife. He said that Prime Minister Shri Modi has not only promoted Ayurveda but has also adopted it in his life and that the Indian cultural tradition has always emphasised the protection of forests and trees. The 11th International Forest Fair, being held in Bhopal, is carrying this tradition forward and the entire state eagerly awaits this fair each year. More than 350 stalls of Ayurvedic products have been set up here, along with 80 Ayurvedic doctors and over 100 vaidyas who will provide free consultation to the public. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav addressed the inaugural ceremony of the International Forest Fair being held at Lal Parade Ground from December 17 to 23, stating that the fair is being organised this year on the theme ‘Prosperous Forests, Happy People’.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav formally inaugurated the 11th International Forest Fair by lighting the lamp and cutting the ribbon. He offered prayers to Lord Dhanvantari and visited various stalls, including Vindhya Herbal, where he obtained information about medicines and herbal products. During the programme, a Rudraksha sapling was presented to the Chief Minister. He released a song promoting minor forest produce titled ‘Laghu Vanopaj Hamari Shaan’ and also launched the new logo of Vindhya Herbal along with a wellness kit comprising various herbal products.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav stated that today, a large variety of products made from minor forest produce are available in the market. When allopathic medicines do not provide adequate relief, people turn to Ayurveda, and almost every household possesses a wealth of traditional Ayurvedic remedies. He said that while modern medical science is certainly commendable, Ayurvedic products have their own distinct importance. During the COVID period, Ayurvedic kadha proved to be like nectar for the world. He stated that the Government is also working to promote Ayurveda and Yoga, noting that while there were earlier only seven government Ayurvedic colleges in the State, eight new government Ayurvedic colleges have been established over the past year.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav stated that the State Government is economically empowering primary forest produce cooperative societies, district unions, and members of the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes. He said that steps have been taken to strengthen the financial condition of tendu leaf collectors and other forest produce gatherers by providing bonuses. Through TRIFED, the State Government is increasing the minimum support price of 32 types of minor forest produce by 25 per cent. He further stated that the Government is expanding the network of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries for conservation efforts, and that in 2026, cheetahs will be settled in the proposed Nauradehi Sanctuary, which will be named after Rani Durgavati. He also informed that wild rhinoceros and giraffes will be brought to Madhya Pradesh in the near future.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav informed that in the Forest Fair, district forest unions, forest department, Van Dhan Kendras, herb collectors & producers, Ayurvedic medicine manufacturers & traditional food producers and sellers from across the state will exhibit and sell their products. The fair features 10 government stalls, 24 stalls from other States, 16 exhibition stalls, 136 private stalls and 26 food stalls, where visitors will be able to savour specialities such as dalpaniya from Alirajpur, ‘Van Rasoi’ from Chhindwara and Gondi cuisine from Bandhavgarh.
Minister of State for Forest and Environment Shri Dileep Ahirwar said that under the guidance of Chief Minister Dr. Yadav, the Forest Department is also helping small entrepreneurs to prosper through minor forest produce and that a Forest Fair will also be organised in Ujjain. Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Managing Director of Madhya Pradesh State Minor Forest Produce Cooperative Federation, Dr. Samita Rajoura, said that Madhya Pradesh has secured a leading position in the country in the conservation of forests and wildlife and that forests are the basis of the state’s natural way of life. She recalled that the Forest Fair was started in 2001.
MLA Shri Bhagwan Das Sabnani, Municipal Corporation Chairman Shri Kishan Suryavanshi, Additional Chief Secretary (Forest) Shri Ashok Barnwal, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Shri V. N. Ambade, other senior officers & employees of the Forest Department and a large number of citizens were present at the event.