Malkangiri MLA urges excise minister to amend mohua flower rules
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Malkangiri: The mahua flower is the main livelihood for the people of Malkangiri district in Odisha. Currently, mohua flower collectors have been passing through a tough time due to the drop in prices. The tribal people of this region are facing hardship. In a move to end their poverty and improve their incomes, the MLA of this area met with Odisha Excise Minister Prithviraj Harichandan in Bhubaneswar on Friday. During the meeting, the MLA stressed amendments to the Orissa Excise (Mohua Flower) Rules of 1976 so that flower collectors can earn better.
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MLA Madkami emphasized the need to introduce a minimum support price (MSP) for mohua flowers, similar to the system adopted in neighbouring Chhattisgarh. He said such a step would encourage local farmers and tribal communities involved in collecting mohua flowers, which are traditionally used for various purposes, including local brewing and medicinal uses.
As per the current Odisha law, villagers are allowed to sell mohua flowers under the 'Go Khadya' category, which means cattle feed. The local leader argued that the law needs to be changed, as the ongoing law has failed to give full value to mahua flowers, so harvesters have to remain on the back foot. Referring to Chhattisgarh’s successful model, the MLA said that streamlined policies can lead to increased government revenue while supporting small-scale traders and the rural economy.
