Daringbadi: Siali leaves are gaining ground here in Kandhamal district after the government banned the use of polythene and plastic, a report said.
The government banned plastic and polythene as they are not biodegradable. This helped paper carry bags and cloth bags to foray into the market.
Now, plates and bowls made of Siali leaves are being used in marriages and other functions and in eateries to serve food.
Siali leaf plates have emerged as an alternative to plastic and thermocole ones as they are biodegradable. Its stems are also used to make ropes which are strong enough to tie goods.
The leaves are also used to pack articles and food. Tourists visiting Daringbadi find it a good alternative to eat food at hotels and fast food joints.
Kandhamal is witnessing good demand for Siali leaves as self-help groups, organisations and traders are rushing to the district and ordering them. The people here say that Siali leaves collected from forests fetch them an annual return anywhere between Rs 20-25 lakh.
They claim that their business will double if the government enforces a complete ban on polythene. Sensing the potential of Siali leaves SHGs and locals have planned to make it their main business.
The members of an SHG in Sraniketa panchayat in this block are now earning their livelihood by making Siali leaf plates and bowls.
“However, what troubles them is the fact that except Kandhamal the leaves are not found in adequate quantities in any other district,” social activist Suresh Baliarsingh said.
Baliarsingh said the forest and environment department should encourage Siali cultivation in open lands.
PNN
