Koraput villagers seek govt nod to sell kendu leaf to private parties

Bhubaneswar: Eight gram sabhas in Boipariguda block in Koraput district are waiting for govt approval to deregulate sale of kendu leaves, a critical source of livelihood for tribal communities. The forest department has not allowed them to sell kendu leaves to private players.

Under the Forest Rights Act, particularly Section 3(1)(C), tribal communities have the right to own, collect, process and sell minor forest produce, including kendu leaves. The Act also mandates that transportation and sale should be free of bureaucratic barriers, and collection should not attract royalties or fees. However, despite policy decisions — including a 2022 directive from chief secretary supporting independent kendu leaf trade by gram sabhas — ground implementation remains poor.

After an unsuccessful attempt last year that led to loss of kendu leaf stock worth around Rs 36 lakh due to rain, residents of Kalatha Jodi, Kadali Joba, Gadaba Guda, Phatki Kumbhi, Pangan Pani, Tapa Jodi, Kupuli Guda, and Badali Beda villages renewed their efforts this season. So far, they have collected kendu leaves worth Rs 4 lakh but fear that in the absence of govt deregulation nod, the stock may get damaged if not sold on time.

"Right to sell kendu leaves belongs to us, yet we are still waiting for official permission. We hope the govt will act quickly so that we can finally earn what is rightfully ours," said Parbati Khila, a member of the Gram Sabha Maha Sangha.

Earlier, deregulation in Nabarangpur and Kalahandi districts enabled immediate cash payments and better prices for tribal kendu leaf collectors.

Sarat Kumar Sahu, divisional forest officer (Jeypore), said, "Since de-regularisation of kendu leaf sale has not been allowed in Koraput district, we cannot violate the rule. Kendu leaf procurement by the forest department is going on at the price fixed by the govt. But villagers don't want to sell the stock to the govt. Instead of allowing the leaves to rot, they should sell it to the govt."