Chhattisgarh: Thousands benefit from tendu leaf collection scheme in Balrampur
Balrampur, May 23
Thousands of rural and tribal families in Chhattisgarh's Balrampur district are securing their primary livelihood through the state government's tendu leaf collection scheme, which continues to serve as a major source of income in forested regions.
Speaking to ANI, Balrampur Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Alok Bajpai said the initiative is being implemented through the Chhattisgarh State Minor Forest Produce Federation and is benefiting a large number of collectors across the district.
"Tendu leaves are a very important means of livelihood for our tribal brothers and sisters in the forest areas. It is being operated with great sensitivity through the Chhattisgarh State Minor Forest Produce Federation," Bajpai said.
He added that nearly one lakh collectors in Balrampur are directly benefiting from the scheme.
"Around 1 lakh collectors in Balrampur district are directly benefiting from it, and the collection rate set by the administration is Rs 5,500 per standard sack, which is quite good. It is being managed through 44 committees in the Balrampur district. There are 64 lots in it, and collection is being done enthusiastically everywhere," he said.
Highlighting the importance of the initiative for the region's economy, he added: "The Balrampur area is a forest region where this is a very essential means of livelihood."
Speaking to ANI, a beneficiary said the scheme has become an important source of financial support for rural families.
"We pluck tendu leaves and make bundles of 50 and try to sell them... First, our leaves were checked, and then we received the money in our accounts. That money is useful to us; it goes towards farming," a tendu leaves collector added.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Good to see tribal communities getting financial support through forest produce. But I hope the government also focuses on diversifying livelihoods in these areas. Over-dependence on one source can be risky, especially with climate change affecting forest yields. Still, a positive move overall.
As someone from a similar region, I can tell you this scheme matters a lot. For many families, this is the only cash income they get all year. But the real test is whether the money reaches them without middlemen taking a cut. Hope the DFO keeps a close watch on that.
Interesting to see how traditional forest economies are being integrated into formal systems. In other countries, similar programs have helped reduce rural poverty when done right. The 44 committees managing 64 lots sounds like a well-organized effort. Hope it scales sustainably.
This is wonderful news! Tendu leaves are such an important part of our rural economy. The beneficiaries using this money for farming shows how interconnected these livelihoods are. More such forestry-based schemes should be promoted across other states too. 🌿
A practical example of how environmental conservation and economic development can go hand in hand. The forest department's role in facilitating this without damaging ecosystems is key. Would love to see more data on how this impacts overall forest health in the long run.
R We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.