Collection and Marketing of Tendu Leaves in Rajasthan, India

Tendu (Diospyros melanoxylon Roxb.) belong to the Family Ebenaceae, which is endemic to the Indian subcontinent. Locally, it is known as temburini. The leaves obtained from Diospyros melanoxylon, vernacularly known as ‘tendu’, ‘kendu’, ‘abnus’ or ‘bidi’ are the most extensively collected both for local consumption and for export. Tribal people in the nation have the right to gather, protect, and promote forest resources under the Forest Rights Act. As tendu leaves are the main source of money for a sizable population that depends on collecting forest food, it is also known as "green gold" in tribal areas. The harvesting of tendu leaves provides work for 75 lakh (7.5 million) individuals nationwide for around three months, according to data from the Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India. The State Government determines the collection fees per typical bag of 1000 bundles (50 leaves/bundle), or 50,000 leaves/ bag, which are to be given to tendu leaves collecting labour. Tendu Patta collection & trade is controlled by the Rajasthan Tendu Leaves (Regulation of Trade) Act, 1974 and rules made there under called Rajasthan Tendu Leaves (Regulation of Trade) Rules, 1974. In the districts of Pratapgarh, Banswara, Udaipur, Dungarpur, Pali, Baran, Bhilwara, Jhalawar, and Dholpur, among others, tendu leaves are mostly harvested. In the summer, both locals and tribal members gather these leaves. Aside from this, over 30 lakh (3 million) people rely on creating bidis from these leaves for their living. In the year 2021–2022, 317206 bags were sold, generating a total of ₹4069 lakhs in revenue. The analysis showed a stagnant but significant growth both in production and revenue generated from tendu leaves. Assured reserve prices and bonuses for labourers will help in increasing the revenue from tendu leaves as it will give impetus to labourers.