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Koraput: Koraput forest divison has fixed minimum support price (MSP) of eucalyptus wood pulp to ensure that farmers, engaged in growing the trees, get the desired price for their produce and are not exploited by unscrupulous agents.
"It has been decided to fix the MSP for a tonne of debarked wood pulp at Rs 2,800, excluding the cost of harvesting, loading and transporation. The farmers will get the amount in shape of cheque or bank transfer directly from the purchasing company," said divisional forest officer (Koraput) Bijay Kumar Panda.
"The authorised agents of pulp wood companies should carry out harvesting, loading and transportation of the pulp wood and the cost will be borne by the companies separately," said the DFO.
According to officials, eucalyptus trees are grown in large numbers in the district, especially in Lamataput block.
Among the purchasers of eucalyptus wood pulp are some paper and timber mills in the region.
While paper mills offer Rs 2,550 to Rs 2,800 for a tonne of debarked wood pulp, the rate for timber mill hovers around Rs 1,350, sources said.
"There is no uniformity in what the farmers get by selling eucalyptus wood pulp. Industries procure the product from farmers through their agents. The agents offer very low prices to farmers, who suffer huge losses," said Panda.
"A meeting will be held with pulp wood industries of the area on the MSP and action taken against violators," he added.
