Over 13 lakh tendu leaf collector families to benefit as procurement rate rises; expanded collection network strengthens tribal livelihoods
Published on: April 22, 2026
By: BTNI
Location: Raipur, India
Tendu leaves, popularly known as ‘Green Gold’ in Chhattisgarh and other forest regions, remain a primary source of livelihood for tribal and forest-dwelling communities. Recent policy reforms and government initiatives have led to a notable rise in the income of collectors associated with this activity. More than 13 lakh collector families across the state are engaged in tendu leaf collection, and an estimated payment of nearly ₹920 crore is expected to be made to them.
Increase in Collection Rate to Benefit Rural Families
Under the directions of Forest Minister Kedar Kashyap, the state government has significantly increased the tendu leaf collection rate with the objective of enhancing the income of minor forest produce collectors, particularly those belonging to tribal communities.
From 2024 onwards, the rate per standard bag has been raised from ₹4,000 to ₹5,500, providing direct financial benefits to lakhs of rural families.
In 2026, tendu leaf collection has been proposed across 902 primary committees functioning under 31 District Minor Forest Produce Cooperative Unions in the state. The estimated collection target for the year stands at more than 15 lakh standard bags.
Each standard bag contains 1,000 bundles, and every bundle includes 50 tendu leaves.
Estimated Collection of Around 11 Lakh Standard Bags
Within the Bastar division, a target of nearly 4 lakh standard bags has been set across 216 committees operating under 10 district unions. Meanwhile, approximately 11 lakh standard bags are expected to be collected through 868 committees functioning under the remaining 21 unions.
More than 13 lakh collector families are currently associated with the activity across the state. In Bastar division alone, the number of families has increased from 3.90 lakh in 2025 to 4.04 lakh this year, with 14,057 new families joining the programme so far.
Establishment of 10 New Collection Centres
For the first time, 10 new collection centres (phads) have been established in the Abujhmad region of Narayanpur district, where collection of over 2,100 standard bags is anticipated. Additional collection centres have also been added in Sukma and Keshkal areas.
Last year, tendu leaf collection could not be carried out in 351 centres due to challenges in Naxal-affected regions. However, preparations have been completed this year to ensure operations resume smoothly at all centres.
Streamlined Operations and Transparent Payments
To ensure smooth execution of the collection process, all necessary arrangements—including collector cards, bags, binding materials, storage facilities and transportation—have been put in place. Insurance coverage for stored tendu leaves is also being arranged.
To guarantee timely payments, an online software system has been introduced. Payments will be transferred directly into collectors’ bank accounts through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system, ensuring transparency and efficiency.
₹920 Crore Expected to Strengthen Rural Economy
Based on the revised procurement rate, an estimated ₹920 crore payment is expected to be disbursed to collectors this year. The initiative is anticipated to strengthen the rural and tribal economy while improving the overall standard of living of forest-dependent communities.
The government’s initiative regarding tendu leaf collection is being viewed as a major step not only toward increasing the income of forest dwellers but also toward empowering the rural economy of the state.
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