Heavy inflow of 'green gold' in Chhattisgarh despite Corona crisis

Raipur: Corona crisis may have affected nation's economy, but it has rained 'green gold' in the forests of Chhattisgarh during this time. Even during lockdown, tendupatta collection went on in full swing. In the current season, 9 lakh 72 thousand 697 standard sacks of tendupatta have been collected against the target of 16 lakh 71 thousand standard sacks. This way 58% of the target has been achieved and tendupatta collectors have earned Rs 389 crore as income so far.

Right from the beginning of Corona crisis, State Government as per the instructions of Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel ensured that agriculture and forest based economic activities does not get affected during the lockdown. Proper strategy was chalked out after assessing the challenges arising in tendupatta collection in the new season. Right from tendupatta collection to the storage process, all the works were done by engaging local labourers. This way, local labourers got better employment opportunities as compared to other season.

Other than agriculture, economic activities in forest areas were also conducted with due precautions including compulsory physical distancing and masks. As State Government hiked tendupatta collection rates to Rs 4000 per standard sack, collection work in this season was conducted with great enthusiasm. Soon after lockdown was called off and the unlock began, collection work has also picked up pace.

It is noteworthy that tendupatta found in Chhattisgarh is considered to be of the best quality in the country.

State Government has directed officials concerned to ensure timely payment to all the tendupatta collection workers in the internal areas. Places, where transferring funds through banks is not possible, the workers should be paid

in cash.

According to the information received from Chhattisgarh State Small Forest Produce Cooperative Union, 81 thousand 998 standard sacks of tendu leaves have been collected in the district union Bijapur so far.