Athmallik: Athmallik kendu leaf division has set a target to procure 20,000 quintals of leaves this year.
Earlier, the division had purchased kendu leaves without checking their quality. As the leaves remained unsold in the previous year, the division had to incur huge loss.
In 2017-18, the division had purchased 17,168 quintals of kendu leaves. After imposition of GST, there was problem in selling the leaves. A quintal of kendu leaves used to be sold for Rs 24,000.
But the situation turned worse and agencies wanted to buy the leaves for Rs 8,000 to Rs 9,000 per quintal from the division. Only good quality leaves could be sold while 4,568 quintals of leaves remained unsold and gathered dust in the godown.
Given the past experience, the division has taken a decision to ensure quality this year.
There are over 40,000 leaves collectors in Athmallik. They eke out their living from selling the leaves.
Now, the question arises as to what steps the kendu leaf division will take to ensure quality leaves are procured from the collectors.
DFO of the Athmallik kendu leaf division, SC Moharana, said as per decision of the government, high quality leaves will be collected this year while all facilities will be provide to the leaf collectors.
