Odisha Approves Rs 74.78 Crore Package for Kendu Leaf Workers

Overview

• The state government approved the Rs 74.78 crore package on Monday, July 13, to provide immediate relief to lakhs of kendu leaf pluckers, binders and seasonal staff.
• The package splits into two parts: a procurement-rate revision that adds Rs 10.78 crore to the exchequer and direct payments worth Rs 64 crore for bonuses and incentives.
• Procurement rates in processing areas were raised by 10 paise per kerry (20 leaves) and 20 paise per phal (40 leaves), while pluckers will receive a 25% bonus and binders and seasonal workers a 5% incentive.
• Officials say the measures will directly increase cash receipts for workers during the seasonal collection period and aim to shore up livelihoods in remote forest districts such as Mayurbhanj, Kandhamal, Kalahandi, Nuapada, Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri, Nabarangpur, Sundargarh and Balangir.
• Kendu leaf collection is one of Odisha’s largest forest-based livelihoods, providing seasonal income to tribal and forest-dependent families, and this package could ease short-term household cash shortages and set a reference for future sector support.