Raipur. The benefit of the highest remuneration of Rs 5,500 per standard bag in the country given to tendu leaf collectors by the state government under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai is now reaching thousands of families in the forest areas. In Kabirdham district, not only the target was achieved in the tendu leaf collection season of the year 2026, but 40 thousand 234 standard bags of tendu leaves were collected, registering 100.34 percent achievement. More than 32 thousand collectors participated in the collection work, who were paid a remuneration of about Rs 22 crore 5 lakh. This amount is becoming an economic support for the forest dependent families and is giving new strength to their livelihood. 

The harvesting process was successfully completed in 24 lots across 19 primary minor forest produce cooperative societies under the District Minor Forest Produce Cooperative Union, Kawardha. The increased remuneration rates and timely payments have strengthened the economic situation of forest-dwelling families. Farmers are using this money for farming, children's education, household needs, and other essential purposes.

The increased remuneration changed the financial condition of the family

Mrs. Nandani Maravi, a resident of the forest village Lokhan in Kabirdham district, is one of the thousands of collectors whose families have gained new economic strength from tendu leaf collection. Her husband, Mr. Shivkumar Maravi, works as a farmer and as a labourer. The seven-member family owns about three acres of agricultural land, where paddy and gram are cultivated. Apart from this, one acre of land has also been obtained under forest rights lease. Nandani Maravi says that the family has benefited from government schemes like ration card, Ayushman card, Ujjwala gas connection and MNREGA job card. Now tendu leaf collection has also become an important source of the family's income.

Nandani Maravi says that as soon as the tendu leaf collection season begins, the entire family gets involved. Previously, the income was low compared to the labor, but now, receiving ₹5,500 per standard sack has increased their income. This money helps them buy seeds, fertilizers, and other farming materials. Children's education, household expenses, and other necessities are easily met. Expressing gratitude to Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai, Nandani Maravi says that the increased wage rate has not only provided financial support to forest dweller families but has also brought respect to their hard work. According to her, tendu leaf collection is no longer just seasonal employment, but has become a strong foundation for the family's economic security, self-reliance, and a better future.