Tendu Leaves- their Collection and Trade for the Benefit of Rural People

Bidi is a labour intensive rural industry and an article mainly consumed by the rural poor. In this study economics of rural based and employment oriented bidi industry is being examined. Appropriate long term measures to make this industry economically and socially sound for the benefit of rural poor, tribals and other weaker section of society have been suggested. It is necessary that pruning operations should be at proper time and tendu leaves collection should be well organised to enhance the leaves production. Development of tendu bushes in close vicinity of the villages and on the forest margins is more beneficial. Export of bidis in place of bidi wrapper leaves can generate more employment opportunities and can earn additional foreign exchange. On the average 287 mandays required for manufacturing bidis from 1 tonne tendu leaves [107 mandays are required for tendu leaves collection (plucking drying, packing) and 180 mandays for manufacturing of bidis (rolling, threading and packing including labelling]. 0.4 million tonnes potential tendu leaves production has the capability to generate employment for 114.80 million mandays (42.80 million mandays in collection of tendu leaves and 72 million mandays in manufacturing of bidis).