Andhra Pradesh - Khammam   

Uncertainty over beedi-leaf collection

By Our Staff Reporter

KHAMMAM, FEB. 10. Uncertainty looms large over the beedi-leaf collection in many forest pockets, as it seems to be a difficult year for the tribals who depend on this avocation.

The big contractors are interested only in prime pockets yielding quality leaf. They claim that the trade has ceased to yield big profits and their agents who had for long been constantly in touch with the communities engaged in beedi leaf operations are now away from the forest villages.

Dwindling demand

Beedi leaf is losing its demand as more and more people are either giving up beedi smoking or are shifting to cigarette smoking. It is more a national phenomenon. The State, which accounted for about 13 to 14 per cent of the total production of beedi leaf, is no exception.

The trade was badly affected in Telangana region. About 330 beedi-leaf units were being notified every year, but there were hardly any takers for many of the units. As many as 120 units were left unsold last year and the number of unsold units could be more this year.

Though the projected collection was over 6.5 lakh standard bags to seven lakh standard bags, it could hardly be realized even in the best season in the five circles of the region. The collection was around 3.89 lakh standard bags last year, against 5.35 lakh standard bags in 2003 and 6.55 lakh standard bags in 2002 in the four circles of the region. Of the 331 beedi-leaf units units notified in the region, 159 were sold in 2004, 184 in 2003 and 233 in 2002.

No competition

About 6.3 lakh standard bags have been expected from 320 units notified in the current year. The department conducted three sales so far. It could sell 64 units in the first go. Another 28 were sold in the next two rounds. They are hopeful of selling another 65 to 70 units in the subsequent sales in the region.

In Khammam, in all 24 of the 49 units could be sold. There was hardly any competition even for the units located in Bhadrachalam north and south divisions, which are known for best quality leaf.

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