The Chhattisgarh government has increased the procurement price of tendu patta leaves to Rs 5,500 per standard bag from Rs 4,000, aiming to enhance the earnings of forest dwellers who collect these leaves. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai announced this raise, fulfilling the government’s commitment to uplift tendu leaf collectors under the double-engine model of governance.
This decision is expected to provide an additional benefit of Rs 1,500 per bag to the collectors, improving their economic status and garnering more respect in their communities. Tendu leaves are crucial for the bidi production industry and are a significant part of Chhattisgarh’s minor forest produce economy, benefiting tribal and rural communities who rely on leaf collection for their livelihoods.
The move is seen as a direct support to the tribal and rural populations, ensuring that the financial well-being of collectors is positively impacted. Chhattisgarh, being one of the leading tendu leaf producers in India, considers the procurement price as a key factor in the economic stability of collectors, aligning with the government’s agenda of inclusive development.
Officials believe that the increased rate will not only offer immediate financial relief but also encourage more active participation in collection activities, thereby strengthening the overall supply chain. This initiative comes at a time when the state is emphasizing rural prosperity and empowerment through forest-based livelihoods, aiming to create sustainable income opportunities and prioritize tribal welfare.
