Bhubaneswar, Mar 31: Odisha government earned a record Rs 540.45 crore from Kendu leaf sale during crop year 2015, said Environment and Forest Minister Bikram Keshari Arukh.
Replying to a question by BJD MLA Mahesh Sahoo in the Assembly, Arukh said bonus and additional bonus would be given to 7,93,577 Kendu leaf collectors this year from the total revenues earned.
The Minister informed that a total of 3,75,665.36 quintal Kendu leaves had been produced and 3,74,941.86 quintals sold during the year.
A total of Rs 62 crore would be given to Kendu leaf collectors towards bonus and additional bonus this year. Besides, it has been decided to give one-time incentive of 10 of the monthly wages to all the 18,158 seasonal staffs d19,338 binders during the year. From this current year, a Kendu Leaf Development Fund would begin to work.
He stated that a total of Rs 48 crore has been allocated for developmental works in the Kendu leaf divisions. Permanent Padi houses, range offices, residential quarters, Kendu leaf go-downs, toilets and tube wells will be under taken, the Minister added.
