Tribal communities in Koraput (Odisha)

Tribal communities in Koraput (Odisha) have been protesting for the third consecutive year, demanding legal ownership and better control over kendu leaves, which are a major source of livelihood.
Kendu leaf (from Diospyros melanoxylon) is a Minor Forest Produce under the Forest Rights Act, 2006.
Known as the “Green Gold of Odisha”, it is hygroscopic, durable, and mainly used for bidi rolling.
It is a major NTFP supporting tribal livelihoods, with key production in MP, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha (3rd largest).