Women sustaining their livelihood through Bhorla leaves

By Dhirendra Prasad Sah,Rajbiraj, Mar. 11: For impoverished women in Birendra Bazaar of Rupani Rural Municipality–6 in Saptari, Bhorla leaves commonly used during feasts and gatherings have become a major source of livelihood.

Dozens of women collect these leaves from nearby forests early in the morning, bring them to the market, and sell them for making traditional leaf plates and bowls (duna–tapari).

The income from the sale of these leaves helps them cover their daily household expenses.

Women who rely on these leaves to make a living and meet their household expenses go to the nearby forest in the morning. The leaves collected after working hard all day are bundled and brought to the market. After that, they are busy tying and selling the leaves all day.

Local resident Sunita Sardar said, “Our only concern is feeding our families. The little money we earn from tying or selling leaves throughout the day is what keeps our households running.”

Bhorla leaves are mainly used to make traditional plates and bowls.

Recently, its demand has increased as an alternative to plastic plates during feasts, pujas and festivals. Currently, a plate made of Bhorla leaves is sold in the market for around Rs. 80-100 per 100 pieces.

According to another local woman, Rina Sardar, they can earn Rs. 500 to 800 a day, but the work is far from easy.

“There is fear of wild animals in the forest, and we have to endure heat and rain. Even after bringing the leaves to the market, we don’t get a fair price,” she complained.

She added that political leaders promise employment and development during elections, but so far there has been no proper market system or support for poor women.

“If we received a fair price for the leaves we collect, our lives would be somewhat easier,” she said.

However, the market is gradually changing.

Sagar Sah, who has been selling snacks in Bhorla leaf plates for three generations, said, “Since Bhorla leaves have become difficult to find, we have started using paper plates and bowls instead of Bhorla's plates.”

According to Bhorla leaf trader Laxmi Das, the availability of ready-made paper plates and bowls in the market has slightly reduced the attraction toward Bhorla leaves.

Nevertheless, Das emphasised that Bhorla leaves remain important from environmental and health perspectives.

Dinesh Kumar Yadav, a member of Madhes Academy, said that at a time when products are increasing pollution, natural products like Bhorla leaves are a safer alternative.

If the local government and concerned bodies can establish a systematic market, collection and processing centre for such organic products in the Rupani and Rajbiraj areas, it seems that the living standards of hundreds of women like Sunita and Rina can be improved.

Amit Sancheti of Saptari Chamber of Commerce and Industry said, “Policies should be introduced to make Bhorla leaves a sustainable source of commercial income. If organised markets and professional security are ensured, it could bring a major transformation in the lives of women here.”