Kendu/Tendu (Diospyros melanoxylon Roxb) leaves used for making traditional cigarettes (bidi) was one of the non-wood forest products to be brought under state control. Before monopolization, people could sell Tendu leaves to anyone, but under the new system trading is controlled through state owned institutions. This pilot study was undertaken to investigate the Tendu leaf management and trade in Vidarbha region of Maharashtra State. One village each was taken from four districts of Vidarbha region for the study. Additionally, forest officials and Phadi mushi’s were also interviewed. 

It was found that the whole Tendu leaf collection operation is very systematic even in areas that are affected by extremist activities. This is despite lack of basic infrastructure facilities like electricity. However, the sense of protection for the specie is low in local communities even though it is a lucrative source of livelihood. Communities have reported a declining trend in the availability of Tendu fruits pointing towards its possible unsustainable harvesting. This is mainly because communities lack training in scientific techniques of leaf plucking. Communities also lack information about process of price fixation, bonus etc.

Study Funding : Regional Center for Development Cooperation, Bhubneshwar, Orissa

Study Output : Report