Vijayawada: State govt has taken significant steps to streamline operations for the 2025 beedi leaf season, issuing two critical orders to ensure organised trade and fair labour practices in the state’s forest produce sector.
In an order issued on Friday, the govt designated the Andhra Pradesh Forest Development Corporation Limited (APFDC) as the exclusive agent to manage the beedi leaf trade.
This appointment, made under Section 4 of the Andhra Pradesh Minor Forest Produce (Regulation of Trade) Act, 1971, empowers APFDC to conduct auctions and call for tenders for the sale of Abnus (Tuniki or Beedi) leaves across 11 designated units in the state.
The initiative aims to maximise revenue while ensuring efficient trade practices in the 2025 season.
Simultaneously, another govt order established an advisory committee under Section 6 of the same Act.
The committee is tasked with advising the govt on labour wages for beedi leaf collection. This body includes representatives from the forest department, traders, manufacturers, and labour groups, ensuring balanced representation of stakeholders.
The principal chief conservator of forests will chair the committee, supported by members from the finance department, APFDC, traders, and labour groups. The committee’s recommendations, including wage rates, will be submitted to the govt before the auction process begins.
