Minor Forest Produce

Tribal communities in Odisha face challenges in obtaining approvals from the forest department to sell a valuable minor forest produce known as Kendu leaves.

What is Minor Forest Produce:

1. Definition:
   1. The Scheduled Tribe and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, defines minor forest produce as any non-timber forest product of plant origin.
2. Examples:
   1. Minor forest produce includes a wide range of items, such as bamboo, brushwood, stumps, cane, tussar, honey, wax, lac, Kendu leaves, and various medicinal plants.
3. Simplified Explanation:
   1. In simple terms, minor forest produce includes all forest products excluding timber.

Kendu Leaf:

1. Significance:
   1. Kendu leaf is referred to as the "green gold of Odisha" and holds nationalized status, similar to bamboo and Sal seeds.
2. Importance:
   1. Kendu leaf is one of the most crucial non-wood forest products in Odisha.
3. Usage:
   1. Also known as tendu leaf in some regions, it is used to roll tobacco into bidis (local cigarettes).
4. Production:
   1. States producing Kendu leaves in India include Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand, Gujarat, and Maharashtra.
      1. Odisha ranks as the 3rd-largest producer of Kendu leaves after Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.

 

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