Tendu Leaf Collection Becomes a Source of Employment and Income in Forest Areas

Raipur, May 16

The collection of Tendu leaves is progressing rapidly this year in the forest areas of Chhattisgarh. This work is being carried out through 902 primary minor forest produce cooperative societies across 10,631 collection centers. Although the Tendu leaf crop has suffered damage this year due to untimely winds, storms, rain, and hailstorms, the hard work of the collector families and the government’s commitment have turned this challenge into an opportunity.
As per the latest report, over 10 lakh collector families have sold 10.84 lakh standard bags of Tendu leaves at collection centers, valued at approximately ₹596 crore. This amount will be directly deposited into the collectors’ accounts through DBT. The process of data entry into the software for this has been initiated by the district unions.
Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai has stated that “Tendu leaf is not just a forest produce for the tribal areas of Chhattisgarh, but a source of livelihood.” He added, “Our government’s priority is to ensure that collectors receive the full value of their hard work on time and transparently. We are working with full commitment to ensure that every family involved in Tendu leaf collection experiences financial security and self-reliance. We have increased the Tendu leaf collection remuneration rate from ₹4000 per standard bag to ₹5500, which is now benefiting collectors more than before.”
Tendu leaf collection provides a respectable annual income to millions of forest-dwelling families in Chhattisgarh. This income not only meets their daily needs but also brings improvements in education, health, and livelihood.
Along with Tendu leaf procurement, the work of leaf processing, bagging, and transportation to warehouses has also begun. The government hopes that the defined collection target will be achieved soon.
This entire process is rapidly moving Chhattisgarh towards becoming a forest-produce-based employment-empowered state.