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Kendu Leaves and Tribal Rights: Odisha's 'Green Gold' in Focus

A recent grassroots protest by tribal women in Kalahandi, Odisha has brought national attention to the issue of forest rights and minor forest produce (MFP) governance. Their protest challenged the Forest Department's refusal to recognize Gram Sabha-issued transit permits for transporting kendu leaves, asserting their rights under the Forest Rights Act, 2006.


What are Kendu Leaves?

  • Botanical Name: Diospyros melanoxylon

  • Common Names: Kendu or Tendu leaves

  • Nickname: Known as the ‘Green Gold of Odisha’ due to their high commercial value.

  • Use: Mainly used in wrapping bidis (traditional Indian cigarettes) because of their:

    • Soft texture

    • Characteristic aroma

    • High combustibility


Economic and Legal Significance

  • Minor Forest Produce (MFP): Kendu leaves are a major non-timber forest product (NTFP) and are listed under MFP, which form an important income source for tribal communities.

  • Nationalized Product: Like Bamboo and Sal seed, kendu leaves are nationalized. This means:

    • Their collection and trade are regulated by the state government.

    • Only government agencies or authorized bodies can procure them from collectors.

  • Top Producing States:

    • Madhya Pradesh (largest producer)

    • Chhattisgarh

    • Odisha


Tribal Rights and Forest Governance

  • Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006:

    • Recognizes the rights of forest-dwelling communities to collect, process, and market MFP.

    • Gram Sabhas have the authority to issue transit permits for transporting these forest goods.

  • Kalahandi Protest:

    • The Forest Department allegedly refused to honor these Gram Sabha-issued permits, causing a stand-off.

    • The successful protest reinforces community-led forest governance under FRA.


UPSC-Relevant Themes

  • Federalism and Resource Governance

  • Tribal Rights & Grassroots Movements

  • Environmental Justice

  • Forest Economy & Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs)


UPSC Prelims Question

Consider the following statements with respect to Kendu (Tendu) leaves:

  1. Kendu leaves are categorized as minor forest produce (MFP) under the Forest Rights Act, 2006.

  2. Only private contractors are allowed to collect and trade kendu leaves in India.

  3. The Gram Sabha has the authority to issue transit permits for kendu leaf transportation.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 3 only

(b) 1 and 2 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3


Correct Answer: (a) 1 and 3 only

Explanation:

  • Statement 1 is correct: Kendu leaves are listed as MFP under FRA.

  • Statement 2 is incorrect: Kendu is a nationalized product; only state agencies or authorized bodies are allowed.

  • Statement 3 is correct: FRA empowers Gram Sabhas to issue transit permits for MFPs.


UPSC Mains Question

"Discuss the role of Gram Sabhas in managing minor forest produce under the Forest Rights Act, 2006. How do such provisions empower tribal communities in India?" (GS Paper II)


 
 
 

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