Survey and data collection activities have commenced across various divisions of the Odisha Kendu Leaf Organisation to formulate a rural livelihood plan for its beneficiaries.

Key Objectives:

• To assess the actual needs, skills, and livelihood potential of beneficiaries through village-level surveys.

• To create sustainable and alternative livelihood opportunities for Kendu leaf pluckers and other beneficiaries.

• To enhance income and promote economic empowerment through skill development and need-based training.

On 01 October 2026, a training programme on survey and data collection methodology was conducted at the Kendu Leaf Headquarters for the preparation of a rural livelihood plan for Kendu Leaf beneficiaries. The programme was attended by ACFs from all divisions of the Kendu Leaf organisation, along with Foresters and Forest Guards.

A review meeting was held at the Kendu Leaf Headquarters, Bhubaneswar, under the chairmanship of the PCCF, Kendu Leaf, Odisha. The meeting reviewed the progress of Kendu Leaf binding work, the provision of drinking water facilities at Phadi level, and the progress of toilet facilities at Central Godown (CG) complexes. The meeting also discussed the implementation of new livelihood initiatives aimed at providing alternative income opportunities and sustainable livelihood options to Kendu Leaf stakeholders, with the objective of preventing distress migration.
 

Health camps were organized for Kendu Leaf pluckers on 20 and 23 September 2026 at Bhubanpalli under MV-79 Kendu Leaf Section and Maharajpalli under MV-88 Kendu Leaf Section, respectively, with the support of MHU, Podia and MHU, Kalimela. The camps provided general health check-ups, medical consultations, and necessary medical assistance to the Kendu Leaf pluckers.

A Kendu Leaf Binding Work Review Meeting was held in the Keonjhar Kendu Leaf Division under the chairmanship of the DFO. The meeting discussed proper grading, binding, bundle weighing, and bagging of Kendu leaves. In addition, discussions were also held on health camps, skill development training, and livelihood schemes.

Inauguration of Range Officer’s Residence at Gohipita under Damamunda (K.L) Range and Forester Quarter at Manamunda under Manamunda (K.L) Range by respected DFO, Boudh (K.L) Division, which is constructed under Mukhyamantri Kenduleaf Welfare Fund 2025-26 year.

A Free Health Check-up Camp was organised at Kantabanji Kendu Leaf Range under Patnagarh Kendu Leaf Division for Kendu leaf pluckers and binders, in collaboration with the Health & Family Welfare Department, Government of Odisha.

On 18 September 2026, a Free Health Check-up Camp was organised at Dhanagadi village under Kendujhar Kendu Leaf Range, in collaboration with the Health & Family Welfare Department, Government of Odisha, for Kendu leaf pluckers and binders.

Odisha's forests are well stocked, diverse, multi-storied and dense. The forests are managed for sustained use providing a range of goods and services to a variety of stakeholders at local and broader levels. Forests are home to flora and fauna, build soil, regulate water flows, and provide quality water as well as small wood, timber and NTFPs. Varied types of forests are found in Odisha. Primarily, major groups are Moist Peninsular Low level Sal Forest, Northern Dry Mixed Deciduous Forest, Dry Peninsular Sal Forest, Dry Deciduous Scrub , Northern Secondary Moist Mixed Deciduous Forest and Mangrove Forest.

55Odisha's forests are well stocked, diverse, multi-storied and dense. The forests are managed for sustained use providing a range of goods and services to a variety of stakeholders at local and broader levels. Forests are home to flora and fauna, build soil, regulate water flows, and provide quality water as well as small wood, timber and NTFPs. Varied types of forests are found in Odisha. Primarily, major groups are Moist Peninsular Low level Sal Forest, Northern Dry Mixed Deciduous Forest, Dry Peninsular Sal Forest, Dry Deciduous Scrub , Northern Secondary Moist Mixed Deciduous Forest and Mangrove Forest.

Odisha's forests are well stocked, diverse, multi-storied and dense. The forests are managed for sustained use providing a range of goods and services to a variety of stakeholders at local and broader levels. Forests are home to flora and fauna, build soil, regulate water flows, and provide quality water as well as small wood, timber and NTFPs. Varied types of forests are found in Odisha. Primarily, major groups are Moist Peninsular Low level Sal Forest, Northern Dry Mixed Deciduous Forest, Dry Peninsular Sal Forest, Dry Deciduous Scrub , Northern Secondary Moist Mixed Deciduous Forest and Mangrove Forest.