Odisha’s kendu leaf trade hangs in balance as tribal communities await deregulation of “green gold”
Eight villages in Odisha’s Koraput district seek government clearance to take control the vital non-timber forest product under the Forest Rights Act The eight Gram Sabhas have collected over 400,000 bundles of kendu leaves. Ajit Panda Published on: 01 May 2025, 2:24 pm Eight Gram Sabhas in Baipariguda block of Odisha’s Koraput district are anxiously awaiting a government notification to deregulate the trade of kendu leaves — known locally as “green gold.” With over 400,000 bundles already collected, these village councils were determined to manage the trade themselves this season under the provisions of the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006. Last year, despite securing Community Forest Resource (CFR) rights under the FRA and holding a meeting with Odisha’s tribal Chief Minister, the eight Gram Sabhas — Kalatha Jodi, Kadali Joba, Gadaba Guda, Phatki Kumbhi, Pangan Pani, Tapa Jodi, Kupuli Guda and Badali Beda — did not receive the critical deregulation letter. As a result, kendu leaves wort...