How are tendu leaves used in Chhattisgarh?

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Indravati River: Chitrakot Waterfall — Chhattisgarh Chitrakot Waterfall on the Indravati River, near Jagdalpur, Chhattisgarh, India.

In Chhattisgarh, tendu leaves are primarily utilized as the outer wrapping for bidis, which are traditional hand-rolled cigarettes.12

The state is a major contributor to India's supply of these leaves, which are harvested from the Diospyros melanoxylon tree. While the collection and sale of such commercial forest products are largely managed by state forest departments, the industry remains a significant component of the regional economy. Historically, the trade of these leaves has been subject to government regulation to protect local harvesters from exploitation and to ensure that profits are shared with the communities involved in the harvest.12