The Telangana Forest Department expects a big jump in revenue from sale of beedi leaf this season and expects to garner ₹188 crore.
According to a statement from the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, the beedi leaf sale has picked up significantly. The income shot up following a decision by the government to distribute the entire net revenue back to the beedi leaf collector.
All the persons involved in the beedi leaf collection are also insured by the Forest Department under the Group Personal Accident Janata Policy.
The department shared the data after advance sale of beedi leaf for 2017 season in Telangana state forest areas conducted on December 15. Over 290 beedi leaf units were notified for sale with a target of 3,32,200 standard bags. The collection rate for the 2017 beedi leaf season was recommended by the advisory committee to the government.