Author(s):

JK Kerketta, Sanjay Singh and Birendra Kumar

Abstract: Tendu (Diospyros melanoxylon Roxb.) is a common tree of mixed deciduous forest throughout India belongs to family Ebenaceae. The leaves play a vital role in the economic life of rural India. The species producing leaves is most common and preferably known as ‘Tendu leaves’ though, ‘Beedi leaves’ and ‘Abnus leaves’ are also used a synonyms at some places. In India, it largely occurs in the states of Madhya Pradesh, Orissa, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand, Utter Pradesh, Rajasthan and Gujarat. It is not only an extremely important non-timber forest product that serves as a big revenue earner for the state government but is also an important economic resource to the indigenous tribes and local population during the summer months when they have no other form of employment. Due to its great economic value, Tendu leaf, also known as the ‘golden leaf’. Tendu leaves are the most valuable and most important NTFP (Non-timber Forest Products) from the State’s revenue point of view. It now accounts for 80-90% of the total revenue from the forests. The presence of women in non-agricultural activities particularly in Tendu leaves collection can be viewed from the various angles with judicious and scientific exploitation of the forest products in general. Field level experiment reveals that, both quantity and quality production of Tendu leaves can be enhanced by more than double with an average of 435800 leaves/ha i.e., 8.72 standard bags/ ha with proper silvicultural management if all factors remains positive.

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