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<\/p>\nTFP Bureau, Raipur, April 22, 2026: Tendu leaves, often called \u2018green gold\u2019 in Chhattisgarh and other forest regions, remain a key source of livelihood for tribal and forest-dwelling communities. Recent policy measures and government initiatives have led to a rise in the income of collectors. More than 13 lakh families are engaged in the activity, with total payments expected to be around Rs 920 crore.<\/p>\n
On the directions of Forest Minister Kedar Kashyap, the state government has revised tendu leaf collection rates to raise the income of minor forest produce collectors, especially from tribal communities. Since 2024, the rate per standard bag has been increased from Rs 4,000 to Rs 5,500, benefiting lakhs of rural families. In 2026, tendu leaf collection is planned across 902 primary societies under 31 district forest produce cooperative unions. The total collection is estimated at over 15 lakh standard bags. Each standard bag contains 1,000 bundles, with 50 leaves in each bundle.<\/p>\n
In Bastar division, about 4 lakh standard bags are expected to be collected through 216 societies under 10 district unions. In the remaining areas, around 11 lakh standard bags are likely to be collected through 868 societies. The number of families involved in Bastar has increased from 3.90 lakh last year to 4.04 lakh this season, with over 14,000 new families joining the activity.<\/p>\n
For the first time, 10 new tendu leaf collection centres have been set up in the Abujhmad region of Narayanpur, with an estimated collection of over 2,100 standard bags. Additional centres have also been added in Sukma and Keshkal. Last year, collection could not take place at 351 centres due to disruptions in Maoist-affected areas. This year, preparations have been completed to ensure operations begin at all centres.<\/p>\n
Arrangements such as collector cards, collection bags, twine, storage facilities, and transport have been put in place to ensure smooth operations. Insurance cover is also being provided for stored tendu leaves. An online system has been introduced to ensure timely payments, with funds to be transferred directly to collectors\u2019 bank accounts through DBT.<\/p>\n
At the current rates, payments to collectors this year are expected to be around Rs 920 crore. The earnings are likely to support rural and tribal households and improve living conditions. The initiative is aimed at raising incomes of forest-dependent communities while supporting the rural economy.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Over 13 lakh families engaged in tendu leaf collection across Chhattisgarh<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":7014,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[116,118,117],"tags":[1136],"class_list":["post-7012","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-breaking-news","category-chhattishgarh","category-state","tag-green-gold"],"yoast_head":"\n