Kalahandi Kendu Leaf Tendu Cooperative Odisha

Kalahandi district in Odisha is covered in kendu or tendu leaf forests — the flame of the forest tree whose leaves are used to wrap bidi tobacco cigarettes. Kendu leaf collection is nationalised in Odisha and managed through cooperative primary collection societies. Tribal collectors — primarily Kondh, Gond, and Mali communities — pluck kendu leaves during the May-June flush season, bundle them into counted lots of fifty leaves, and deposit at cooperative checkposts. The Odisha State Minor Forest Produce Cooperative organises collection, grading, and auction to bidi manufacturers. Kendu leaf income is the primary cash income for forest-edge families across Kalahandi, Rayagada, and Koraput. Cooperative minimum price declaration prevents contractor exploitation of tribal collectors.