Simlipal Siali Leaf Plate Sal Forest Odisha

Simlipal Biosphere Reserve in Mayurbhanj district, Odisha, is a 2,750 square kilometer tiger reserve and biodiversity hotspot within the Eastern Ghats, home to approximately 450 wild elephants and the rare melanistic black tigers (a unique Simlipal genetic trait documented since 2007), and it sustains the livelihoods of over 10,000 tribal households of the Santali, Ho, Kolha, and Mankidia communities through the collection and processing of siali leaf (Bauhinia vahlii, the locally called Mahul or Siali vine), sal leaf (Shorea robusta), and kendu leaf (Diospyros melanoxylon) — the three most economically significant non-timber forest products (NTFPs) of the Odisha forest ecosystem. The siali leaf stitching tradition produces the distinctive round sal-siali leaf plates (pattal) and bowl (dona) used as biodegradable food service items across Eastern India. Tribal women stitch the large siali leaves onto circular bamboo-twig frames using thin bamboo spine needles, producing food-grade plates that are completely compostable within 30 days. The Odisha Forest Development Corporation (OFDC) manages kendu leaf collection (a nationalized commodity) while siali and sal leaf processing is operated by tribal cooperative societies under NTFP framework. The Simlipal honey produced by Mankidia (also called Birhor) tribe members using traditional cliff-harvest and tree-hollow techniques from Apis dorsata (rock bee) combs is one of the most sought-after wild forest honeys in India, commanding Rs 800–1,500 per kg from specialty honey buyers.