Malkangiri: Kendu leaf cultivation has been a source of livelihood for hundreds of tribals residing in Malkangiri district. Rich in forests, the district has abundant scope for kendu leaf farming and tribal populace depends on it as their chief source of livelihood.
With no other source of living, the tribals sell kendu leaves to government and private agencies to earn their livelihood. However, taking advantage of the innocence of tribals middlemen and kendu leaf traders exploit them and pay them less than what they deserve.
Due to lack of awareness, the tribals fail to know the price fixed by the government and apparently sell their produce to middlemen cheaper. Even as the state government earns revenue in crores of rupees from kendu leaves, the middlemen and traders make a quick buck, thanks to the ignorance of the natives.
The residents have demanded provision of market facilities for the tribals and spread awareness about fixed rates every year.
This year, the forest department started collecting kendu leaves from April. However, the officials did not reach interior pockets of the district and consequently, the middlemen take advantage of the situation and lift forest produce from the tribals cheaper.
Residents of Jantapai, Nuaguda, Petaguda, Baradapakana, Ruma and Daliambha villages have demanded a ban on entry of traders to tribal areas. The tribals have not been getting the due price for their hard work for the past two years, said Chakra Khil, a local.
Among other farmers who demanded stringent vigil against traders were Ram Hantal, Purna Burudi, Dhania Khara, Hara Khil, Tilai Khil and Samari Burudi.
Agarwal, a private outfit, has been collecting kendu leaves from tribals of Padia, Materu, Niliguda, Matapaka, Sikhapali and Tandapali panchayats without paying them their due. When asked, the company has been extending the payment dates, alleged Niliguda sarpanch Budra Kartami.
Many private firms have put up tenders in 2019 to collect kendu leaves in the district. Locals have urged the administration to take stock of the situation and ensure the companies clear their dues. They sought a bar on private firms from collecting kendu leaf, if they fail to pay their dues.
Many tribals have urged the forest officials to directly collect the kendu leaves. They preferred to sell the produce to the government agencies to private firms.
