Phased deregulation of kendu leaf trade on the cards in Odisha
The Hindu
Tribals and forest dwellers are seeking greater autonomy in handling forest resources
As tribals and forest dwellers seek greater autonomy in handling forest resources, especially kendu leaves, the Odisha government is contemplating to provide gram sabhas rights over its trade as envisaged in the Forest Rights Act, 2006. Close to one million people mostly tribals depend on collection and sale of kendu leaves in Odisha. The trade provides employment to kendu leaf pluckers for about three to four months stretching from April to October. Villagers are involved in both unskilled and semi-skilled labour for bush cutting, plucking and binding. The leaves are used to roll tobacco into beedis, while the volume of trade runs to the tune of ₹1,000 crores in the State. The proposed deregulation of kendu leaf trade is likely to benefit sizeable population living on edge of forests.More Related News