Kumar Bahukhandi
In Short
- Potential Payout Estimated at Approximately ₹920 Crore
- Over 1.3 Million Families of Tendu Leaf Collectors Engaged in Collection Work
Raipur: In Chhattisgarh and other forested regions, Tendu leaves are referred to as “Green Gold,” serving as a primary source of livelihood for tribal and forest-dwelling communities.
Thanks to recent policy changes and government initiatives, these collectors have witnessed a significant increase in their income. Over 1.3 million collector families across the state are engaged in this activity. It is estimated that Tendu leaf collectors will receive a total payout of approximately ₹920 crore.
Acting under the directives of Forest Minister Kedar Kashyap, the State Government has implemented a substantial hike in the Tendu leaf collection rate, with the specific objective of enhancing the income of minor forest produce collectors—particularly those belonging to tribal communities. Effective from the year 2024, the rate per ‘standard bag’ has been raised from ₹4,000 to ₹5,500—a measure that will directly benefit hundreds of thousands of rural families.
For the year 2026, Tendu leaf collection operations are proposed to be undertaken across 902 primary cooperative societies, operating under the aegis of the state’s 31 District Forest Produce Cooperative Unions. This year, the projected volume of Tendu leaf collection is estimated to exceed 1.5 million standard bags. A single ‘standard bag’ comprises 1,000 bundles, with each individual bundle containing 50 leaves.
Collection of Approximately 1.1 Million Standard Bags of Tendu Leaves Anticipated
A collection target of approximately 400,000 standard bags of Tendu leaves has been set for the 216 cooperative societies falling under the 10 District Unions of the Bastar Division. Meanwhile, the remaining 21 Unions—encompassing 868 cooperative societies—are expected to yield a collection of approximately 1.1 million standard bags.
In total, over 1.3 million collector families across the state are involved in this vital economic activity. In the Bastar division, the number of families involved in this activity has risen to 4.04 lakh this year, compared to 3.90 lakh families in 2025. So far this year, 14,057 new families have joined this initiative.
10 New Collection Centers and Enhanced Preparedness
For the first time, 10 new collection centers (phads) have been established in the Abujhmad region of Narayanpur, where the collection of over 2,100 standard bags is projected. Additionally, new collection centers have also been added in the Sukma and Keshkal regions.
Last year, due to operational hurdles in Naxal-affected areas, collection could not be carried out at 351 centers; however, comprehensive preparations have been completed this year to commence operations at all centers.
Smooth Operations and Transparent Payments
To streamline the collection process, all necessary arrangements—including collector ID cards, gunny bags, twine, warehousing facilities, and transportation—have been secured. Furthermore, insurance coverage is being arranged for the stored Tendu leaves.
To ensure timely payments to the collectors, an online software system has been implemented, through which funds will be transferred directly into their bank accounts via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
Projected Payout of ₹920 Crore
Based on the prescribed rates for this year, it is estimated that collectors will receive payments totaling approximately ₹920 crore. This initiative will bolster the rural and tribal economies and lead to an improvement in the people’s standard of living.
The government’s initiative regarding Tendu leaf collection is proving to be a significant step—not only in boosting the income of forest-dwelling communities but also in empowering the state’s rural economy.
