Tendu Leaves

Source: NIE

Context: Chhattisgarh has raised concerns over tendu leaf smuggling from adjoining states due to its highest procurement price of ₹5,500 per standard bag, which has incentivized illegal trade during the peak collection season.

About Tendu Leaves:

• What are Tendu Leaves?

• Tendu (Diospyros melanoxylon), often termed “Green Gold”, is a Non-Timber Forest Produce (NTFP) predominantly used for wrapping beedis (hand-rolled cigarettes).

• Regional Growth:

• Found widely in central India, mainly in: Madhya Pradesh (25% of India’s production) Chhattisgarh (20%) Odisha (15–20%) Maharashtra (10%)

• Madhya Pradesh (25% of India’s production)

• Chhattisgarh (20%)

• Odisha (15–20%)

• Maharashtra (10%)

• Key Features:

• Grows as a shrub or small tree, easily identifiable by its broad leaves. A standard bag contains 1,000 bundles, each with 50 leaves. Best quality tendu leaves are reported from southern Chhattisgarh (e.g., Dantewada, Sukma).

• Grows as a shrub or small tree, easily identifiable by its broad leaves.

• A standard bag contains 1,000 bundles, each with 50 leaves.

• Best quality tendu leaves are reported from southern Chhattisgarh (e.g., Dantewada, Sukma).

• Uses and Applications:

• Primarily used in beedi-making, supporting the rural tobacco economy. Generates employment for tribal communities, contributing over 100 million person-days annually in collection and processing.

• Primarily used in beedi-making, supporting the rural tobacco economy.

• Generates employment for tribal communities, contributing over 100 million person-days annually in collection and processing.

• Challenges & Issues:

• Smuggling: Higher prices in Chhattisgarh (₹5,500/bag) vs. neighboring states fuel illegal trade. Exploitation: Low wages (₹60/day) for collectors despite lucrative trade. Declining Demand: Health concerns over smoking, rising taxes, and alternative products.

• Smuggling: Higher prices in Chhattisgarh (₹5,500/bag) vs. neighboring states fuel illegal trade.

• Exploitation: Low wages (₹60/day) for collectors despite lucrative trade.

• Declining Demand: Health concerns over smoking, rising taxes, and alternative products.