Fruits and Flowers Are the New Coal for This Economy

The Indian state of Chhattisgarh is shifting its economy from coal to fruits and flowers production, thus reducing emissions, protecting forests, and helping its population to escape poverty.

“Mining has been key to the economy and continues under strict norms. But our priority is now the forest,” says Manoj Kumar Pingua, state principal secretary for forests and industries. “We are willing to forgo millions of rupees generated from mining to protect and improve the livelihoods of forest gatherers. In mining a few make money, but in the green economy, the profit goes directly into the hands of the people.”

A green economy strategy has taken shape around non-timber forest products: there are 200 village groups, 49 local market groups and 10 processing centers, generating work for 1.7 million families working as gatherers of tamarind, cashew nuts and medicinal seeds.