The Kendu Leaf Trade: Problems & Prospects in Orissa - Vasundhara

Annexure-1
Gradation of Kendu Leaves as practiced currently in Orissa
(as available from Orissa Forest Development Corporation)
Grade Colour Texture
I Green, lusturous Shinning greenish, grey Thin
II Same as I grade Thin
III greenish to greenish yellow, greenish gray Thin
IV - S Same as Quality - III Thin to medium
IV - M Same as quality- III Thin to medium
IV Mixed Color leaves fit for manufacture of Bidi. Thick
Grade Size and body condition
I 22 cms. up in length and 8 cms. up in width; free from pubescence, mould, dirt, crack; pliable; midrib and
veins not prominent; leaf blades not wavy.
II 18 cms. up in length and 8 cms. up in width; rest all like I grade.
III Leaves above 15 cms. length; may be little pubescent with slightly prominent veins; free from mould, dirt &
other defects. Leaf blade may be slightly wavy which will not affect production of Bidi.
IV - S 15 cms. up in length; pubescent; may contain mould cracks upto 10% of leaf area.; prominent midrib and
veins; leaf blade may be wavy.
IV - M 12 cms.up in length. Others same as IV - S.
IV Mixed sized and shape, hairy , velvety with prominent veins; uneven surface; mould or blemishes or holes
together not exceeding 20% of the leaf area.
Grade Remarks
I Should not include immature leaves. The bundle may contain upto 20% of II grade leaves.
II Should not include immature leaves. The bundle may contain upto 10% of III grade leaves.
III Bundle may contain upto 10% of quality IV- S.
IV - S Bundles may contain upto 10% grade IV -M leaves.
IV - M Bundle may contain upto 10% of quality IV and contain slightly immature leaves.
IV May contain upto 10% below specification leaves fit for making one Bidi.
There may be further two grades as under.
M – 1 Mixture of leaves of I & II grades in the proportion of 1 : 1.
M – III mixture of leaves of III & IV- S grades in the proportion of 1 : 1.
NB – Leaf length is to be calculated from the starting of leaf area and not from petiole.
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