Bhubaneswar, Nov. 7 -- Sal resin, known as Koraput's 'white diamond', has become an important source of livelihood for tribal communities in the district. Collected from the sal forests of the Gupteswar Biodiversity Area, the resin is witnessing growing demand in domestic and international markets.

However, local collectors and traders are unable to fully benefit from its market potential due to a lack of proper market access.

The Baipariguda regions under Jeypore Forest Division and the 350-hectare Gupteswar Biodiversity Area have extensive sal forests. The liquid resin released from the trees hardens on exposure to air and takes the form of white resin.

A collector can gather around 50-60 kg in a week. It sells for around Rs 150 per ...