Forest produce from Maharashtra to be sold online, on Amazon, soon

In a first-of-its-kind initiative, the Maharashtra government has tied up with global online retail portal, Amazon, to sell forest produce developed by the Forest

In a first-of-its-kind initiative, the Maharashtra government has tied up with global online retail portal, Amazon, to sell forest produce developed by the Forest Development Corporation of Maharashtra (FDCM).

To begin with, teak seeds will be available in three different-size packets — 100gm, 200gm and 400gm, at a price of Rs175, Rs275 and Rs375, respectively. (HT File)

On Saturday, state forest minister Sudhir Mungantiwar launched the sale of treated teak seeds — high-quality seeds to ensure germination — on Amazon on a pilot basis.

There are plans to add more seeds, timber products and herbal medicines produced by FDCM, which is engaged in forestry and allied activities, for online sale in the near future.

The teak seeds will be available in three different-size packets — 100gm, 200gm and 400gm, at a price of Rs175, Rs275 and Rs375, respectively.

“The initiative will help the state achieve its target of planting 50 crore trees by 2019,” Mungantiwar said. “These are high-quality seeds processed by the FDCM. A raw seed has various layers and thus cannot germinate. To ensure a plant germinates, we have to treat the seed, which takes around three months. Once it is ready for germination, we make them available for selling,” said UK Agrawal, managing director, FDCM.

He said they have started with teak seed on an experiment basis and will soon add timber products being made by FDCM. “We are also planning to sell herbal medicines and minor forest produce such as Amla and Mahua, but certification is an issue. So first we will develop our capability in certification then start selling these products as well,’’ the official said.