Kendu Leaf Collection Emerges as Economic Lifeline for Tribal Communities
The annual kendu leaf season has commenced in full force across the Jeypore division of Odisha, providing a vital economic lifeline to thousands of forest-dependent tribal families. This traditional seasonal activity represents one of the most significant sources of livelihood for rural communities in the region, with the forest department implementing strategic measures to ensure smooth procurement operations and timely financial disbursements.
Ambitious Production Targets and Advance Sales Strategy
For the current crop year, the Jeypore kendu leaf division has established a substantial production target of 80,600 standard bags, which translates to approximately 31,000 quintals of plucked produce. Remarkably, all 33 designated kendu leaf lots were successfully sold in advance by December 22, 2025, creating a solid foundation for efficient procurement activities throughout the peak collection period.
Divisional Forest Officer Uma Mahesh emphasized the importance of this advance planning, stating, "Kendu leaf collection represents a major source of seasonal income for thousands of tribal families. Ensuring that they receive timely payment remains our top priority, as their livelihood depends heavily on this activity." He further explained that the advance sale of all lots, combined with enhanced field-level coordination, has significantly strengthened operational efficiency this season.
Widespread Participation and Economic Impact
Nearly 70,000 dedicated pluckers are actively engaged in the seasonal kendu leaf collection across the division's operational areas. The collection window extends from mid-February through the end of May, with each participating plucker typically earning between Rs 20,000 and Rs 25,000 depending on their individual effort and time investment.
This substantial seasonal income plays a transformative role in sustaining the rural and tribal economy throughout the region. Tribal researcher Paresh Rath highlighted the broader significance, noting, "With large-scale participation and a structured procurement system firmly established, kendu leaf collection continues to serve as the backbone of the local tribal economy. It provides both income security and valuable employment opportunities during the lean agricultural period." He particularly emphasized that approximately 95% of the pluckers are tribal women, making this an especially crucial economic activity for female empowerment and household financial stability.
Geographical Coverage and Operational Challenges
The Jeypore kendu leaf division encompasses both regulated and deregulated areas across three districts: Malkangiri, Koraput, and Rayagada. This extensive geographical coverage requires meticulous planning and coordination to ensure operational success.
While the collection process faces persistent challenges including unseasonal rainfall, extreme summer heat, and potential pest attacks, the forest department remains committed to maintaining uninterrupted operations. Officials have identified timely payments to pluckers, checkers, and other frontline workers as absolutely essential for sustaining participation levels and maintaining workforce morale throughout the demanding collection season.
DFO Uma Mahesh expressed confidence in the current season's prospects, stating, "With all lots sold in advance and plucking activities already operating at full capacity across multiple ranges, we are in a strong position to ensure smooth procurement processes that directly benefit the pluckers." This comprehensive approach demonstrates the department's commitment to supporting tribal livelihoods while managing a complex seasonal operation that significantly impacts the regional economy.
