Sal (Shorea robusta) is a large evergreen tree belonging to the family dipterocarpaceae. Sal forests occupy about 16.5 % of the total forest area of the state. The sal forests are confined to the eastern part of the state. Sal timber is extremely durable and is used for making railway sleepers, guncarriages, Beams, doors, planking etc. The seeds of Sal are an important source of edible oil.

M.P. State Minor Forest Produce Co-op. Federation Ltd. collects Sal Seed, a nationalised forest produce, through Primary Forest Produce Co-operative Societies in 12 Districts of the State which are Sal forest areas. A valuable edible oil is extracted from these seeds. The seed contains 19-20% of oil . The oil is used as a substitute of butter and also in confectionaries and eatables. The oil cakes remaining after oil extraction contains 10-12% protein and are used as feed for chicken . it is also used as mamre. All the Sal Seed collected in the State is being sold by open tenders/auctions.