Beyond the leaves: investigating challenges of Sal and Siali Leaf businesses in India

The present study aims to evaluate the barriers faced by indigenous entrepreneurs in the Sal and Siali leaf business. The study was conducted in West Singhbhum, a tribal-dominated district of Jharkhand. 272 responses from indigenous entrepreneurs were collected from six villages: Bila, Baraebir, Bara, Dewanbir, Gobindpur and Bhalurangi of respective Sonua and Goilkera blocks in Jharkhand. The result highlighted that indigenous entrepreneurs do not face any significant issues or challenges while collecting leaves from forests. However, they face challenges during the processing of leaves into the final products and selling and marketing of leaves as well as finished products. This study will also help the indigenous practitioners in removing the barriers and providing accurate solutions for the benefit of indigenous entrepreneurs. Policymakers should offer inclusive infrastructure for the processing and curing of raw leaves into finished goods and streamline the marketing platforms for products made out of Sal and Siali leaves.