The collection of Tendu leaves is proving to be a good livelihood option for forest dwellers in Chhattisgarh during the pandemic.
In the current season, nearly 4.76 lakh standard sacks of Tendu leaves have been collected from forests through primary forest produce cooperative societies -- about a fourth of the total target, an official statement said on Friday.
Due to the closure of other livelihood options amid a Covid-inducted lockdown, the forest dwellers are getting employment by gathering forest produce. In the process, they are also contributing to Chhattisgarh's economy in a major way.
The state has set an annual target of 16.71 lakh standard sacks of Tendu leaves in 2021. This provides work to over 12 lakh families. The value of Tendu patta has been hiked to Rs 4,000 per standard bag by the government.
Officials said the collection of Tendu leaves has got momentum this year and receipts of over 4.76 lakh standard sacks have been made.
In the Bastar forest division, Bijapur has collected 40,239 standard sacks, Sukma 56,996, Dantewada 10,252, Jagdalpur 14,736, South Kondagaon 12,453, Keshkal 17,255, Narayanpur 11,238, East Bhanupratappur 1,911 and Kanker 20,167.
In Surguja region, Jashpur collected 7,978 standard sacks, Manendragarh 5,161, Korea 464, Surguja 6,963 and Surajpur 813 standard bags.