In the current season, nearly 4.76 lakh standard sacks of Tendu leaves have been collected from forests through primary forest produce — about a fourth of the total target.
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.