Gidam Committee Creates History, Tendu Leaves Sold at Highest Price in 38 Years

Gidam Committee Creates History, Record Rate of Rs 10,909 Per Standard Bag Received Benefit of Bonus for Approximately 4 Thousand Collector Families Raipur, The Gidam Primary Minor Forest Produce Cooperative Society of Dantewada district in Chhattisgarh has created history by breaking a 38-year-old record in the sale of Tendu leaves. In the online tender held on July 16, 2026, Gidam committee's Tendu leaves received a historic price of up to Rs 10,909 per standard bag. The Primary Minor Forest Produce Cooperative Society Gidam of Dantewada district has achieved a historic feat in the sale of Tendu leaves. In the online tender organized by the State Minor Forest Produce Federation, the committee's Tendu leaves were sold at a record rate of Rs 10,609 and Rs 10,909 per standard bag. This is the highest price for Tendu leaf sales in the 38-year history of the Gidam committee. Expressing happiness over this achievement, Forest and Climate Change Minister Shri Kedar Kashyap described it as an important success towards the economic empowerment of forest-dependent families. He said that the benefits of a transparent online tender process and quality work methodology are now directly reaching the Tendu leaf collectors. Benefit of Bonus for Approximately 4 Thousand Collector Families Forest Minister Shri Kedar Kashyap said that due to the record sale price of Tendu leaves, the committee will receive additional income. The benefit of this will be received in the form of a bonus by approximately 4 thousand Tendu leaf collector families associated with the committee. This will increase the income of forest-dependent families and further strengthen their economic condition. Transparency in Payment Through Digital System The state government is promoting a digital system in Tendu leaf collection, bonus, scholarship, insurance, and other minor forest produce schemes. Through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), amounts are being directly deposited into the bank accounts of collectors. This has made the payment process more transparent, secure, and time-bound. Historic Success Achieved Through Collective Efforts Forest Minister Shri Kedar Kashyap congratulated the Chief Conservator of Forests, Dantewada Divisional Forest Officer, District Minor Forest Produce Cooperative Union, committee office bearers, shed munshis, and all officers and employees for this achievement. He said that through the collective efforts of all, the Gidam committee has achieved this historic success. He said that the state government is continuously working to increase the income of forest-dependent families by prioritizing their interests and through minor forest produce. Efforts will continue in the future to provide better economic benefits to families associated with Tendu leaves and other minor forest produce.