Balrampur, May 23 -- Thousands of rural and tribal families in Chhattisgarh's Balrampur district are securing their primary livelihood through the state government's tendu leaf collection scheme, which continues to serve as a major source of income in forested regions.

Speaking to ANI, Balrampur Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Alok Bajpai said the initiative is being implemented through the Chhattisgarh State Minor Forest Produce Federation and is benefiting a large number of collectors across the district.

"Tendu leaves are a very important means of livelihood for our tribal brothers and sisters in the forest areas. It is being operated with great sensitivity through the Chhattisgarh State Minor Forest Produce Federation," Bajpai said....