Green gold becomes the foundation of prosperity: The increased rate of tendu leaf purchase has boosted the enthusiasm and confidence of collectors, bringing excitement to every stall.
. Raipur. Amidst the scorching heat of the month of Jyeshtha, the splendor of collection of green gold i.e. tendu leaves has once again returned to the forests of Rampur. This season, which started after a long wait, has brought a smile of new hope on the faces of the villagers, especially the women. This year the collection work formally started with puja-archana at Rampur centre, in which a large number of villagers and women beneficiaries participa
Before sunrise, Mrs. Kari Bai Patel and Mrs. Khembai Patel of Rampur in Korba district reached the forest with their families. By noon, when they arrived at the procurement center with bundles of tendu leaves, the atmosphere there seemed festive. They celebrated their day's opening ceremony at the procurement center among many other tendu leaf collectors. Mrs. Kari Bai expressed her happiness, saying that the timely start of government procurement has freed them from middlemen. Selling leaves directly to the market guarantees fair remuneration and bonuses, which facilitates smooth financial management throughout the year.
The positive impact of the government's increase in the procurement rate for tendu leaves this year from Rs. 4,000 to Rs. 5,500 per standard bag is clearly visible on the incomes of rural families. The increased rate has further strengthened the enthusiasm and confidence of collectors. In the Rampur region, the tendu leaf season is the main source of livelihood for tribal families. Carefully plucking, sorting, and preparing bundles is a difficult but crucial task, in which women play a particularly important role.
According to the forest produce committee managers, special attention has been paid this year to ensure a completely transparent and systematic procurement system. Counting and quality testing of bundles at the fair is being done based on modern standards. Payment of remuneration to collectors' bank accounts is being ensured immediately through digital means, eliminating any delays or inconveniences.
Due to favorable weather, the quality of leaves is better this year, further strengthening the possibility of increased income for collectors. For the villagers, green gold has become not just a forest produce but the foundation of their self-reliance and economic stability.
The administration has appealed to all collectors to sell their tendu leaves only at cooperative society centers, adhering to the rates and standards set by the government, so that they can receive the full and direct benefits of schemes and bonuses. The dedication of Rampur's hardworking women, the greenery of the forests, and the government's visionary initiatives... these three have together made green gold a powerful medium for rural proPolitic
