India, April 30 -- Move helping villagers get better prices, ensuring on gap in collection of leaves from all areas and helping underprivileged tribes

More than 100 Gram Sabhas in southern Odisha have joined forces to sell kendu leaves directly, leveraging their community forest rights in a move that empowers local communities while disrupting traditional middleman structures.

Kendu leaves, also known as tendu leaves in some parts of the country, are used to roll tobacco into beedis (local cigarettes) and possess a number of medicinal properties. The non-timber forest product (NTFP), which provides a vital source of income for tribal communities in the region, is commonly known as "green gold" in the state.

The 103 Gram Sabhas in the B...