Timely procurement, payments for kendu leaf workers in Jeypore

Koraput: Kendu leaf season provides a crucial source of livelihood to thousands of forest-dependent families under the Jeypore kendu leaf division, with the forest department prioritising timely procurement and payments during the peak summer months.

For this crop year, the division has fixed a production target of 80,600 standard bags, equivalent to around 31,000 plucked produce quintals. Officials said all 33 kendu leaf lots were sold in advance by Dec 22, 2025, enabling timely procurement operations.

Nearly 70,000 pluckers are engaged in the seasonal activity across the division. With collection continuing from mid-Feb to end-May, each plucker earns around Rs 20,000 to Rs 25,000 depending on effort and time invested. This income plays a significant role in sustaining the rural and tribal economy in the region.

Divisional forest officer (DFO) Uma Mahesh said, “Kendu leaf collection is a major source of seasonal income for thousands of tribal families. Ensuring that they receive timely payment is our top priority, as their livelihood depends heavily on this activity.” He said advance sale of all the lots and improved coordination at the field level have strengthened operations this season.

“With all lots sold in advance and plucking already in full swing across multiple ranges, we are in a strong position to ensure smooth procurement and directly benefit the pluckers,” Uma added. The division covers both regulated and deregulated areas in Malkangiri, Koraput and Rayagada districts.

Officials emphasised that timely payments to pluckers, checkers and other frontline workers remain key to sustaining participation and morale. While challenges such as unseasonal rains, extreme heat and pest attacks persist, the department is working to ensure that the collection process continues without disruption.

Tribal researcher Paresh Rath said, “With large-scale participation and a structured procurement system in place, kendu leaf collection continues to serve as a backbone of the local tribal economy, providing both income security and employment during the lean agricultural period. Most importantly, 95% of the pluckers are tribal women.”