CNN Central News & Network–ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: Indian Institute of Forest Management (IIFM), Bhopal, in collaboration with the Madhya Pradesh Minor Forest Produce Federation, inaugurated a two-day international conference on “Women Empowerment through Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFP)” as part of the International Herbal Fair 2024. The conference focused on the role of women in sustainable forest-based livelihoods and strategies to enhance their participation and recognition in the NTFP value chain.
The inaugural session was graced by distinguished guests, including Bibhash Kumar Thakur (Managing Director, MP Minor Forest Produce Federation), Ashok Barnwal (Additional Chief Secretary, Government of Madhya Pradesh), and Advait Edgaonkar (Director, IIFM).
Experts, policymakers, practitioners from Nepal, Sri Lanka, Australia, and various Indian states, along with representatives from NGOs, CSR initiatives, and academic institutions, participated in the conference. Discussions centered on addressing challenges such as market access, the need for training, and inequality in decision-making to empower women-led NTFP enterprises.
The conference emphasized empowering marginalized communities, particularly women, through products like fruits, nuts, medicinal plants, wild honey, and resins. It also encouraged promoting women-led sustainable forest enterprises.
Director Advait Edgaonkar highlighted the need to recognize and enhance women’s contributions to the NTFP value chain. He also mentioned that IIFM, Bhopal, serves as the operational agency for the Indian Forest and Wood Certification Scheme (IFWCS) PRAMAAN, which will support marketing and branding of NTFPs.
The conference aimed to foster dialogue, share success stories, and develop strategic steps to support and enhance women’s roles in this vital sector.
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