Phulbani: Even though Kandhamal district is still regarded a backward district, some of its forest produces are in high demand among the consumers. ‘Barada’ leaves – consumed as greens—being the latest to join the fray.
The turmeric grown in this district has made it famous across the globe. Grown here organically, it has recently been accorded Geographical Indication (GI) tag as well. Just as well, some of the seasonal mushrooms produced here are equally popular.
This time, yet another forest produce from this district is gaining acceptance among the consumers. Locally known as ‘Barada’ leaves, these tender green leaves are getting increasing popular. People can be seen selling these leaves by the road side in Phulbani with each seller having a decent number of customers in tow. Sellers often report their stocks getting exhausted within hours.
“While other greens are being sold by bundles, ‘Barada’ leaves are being sold by kilogram. The demand is healthy and we are happy,” said a seller with a chuckle. Another seller who was about to return home after selling off his stock added, “We are selling these specific greens at Rs 100 per kilogram. Despite the price, people can’t stop buying it.”
These seasonal leaves usually hit the market at the beginning of the summer — usually from the third week of April till the end of June — making the short duration an eagerly awaited one by the consumers.
“As we see green tender leaves start appearing on Barada tree, we are sure of a fixed earning for two to three months,” said a seller in Phulbani town.
As the leaves are available only during this season, and can never be found in the rest of the year, people don’t want to skip tasting these greens. “We earn Rs 3000 to Rs 4000 a day from selling these,” shopkeeper Abdul Alfa claimed, adding, “each of us usually sell about 30 kilograms of these by noon.”
Town residents have their own opinion about the goodness of these leaves.
“The trees grow on their own in jungles. Unlike the regular greens, these trees are never treated with any manure – be it organic or chemical. Neither are any pesticides used. Hence the goodness is retained. This is the reason why people love to eat these greens,” maintained Subash Behera, a town resident.
“Earlier we used to buy 250 grams of these at Re 1. Now the price has reached Rs 100 a kilogram. Despite the rather high price, its oh-so-tasty nature prompts people to buy these all through the season,” he added.
With the advent of rainy season, these leaves grow bigger and are no longer consumed. Then the lovers of delectable ‘Barada’ leaves have to wait for another year. Important to mention, these leaves used to be a mainstay in Odia kitchens for centuries, but had lost their relevance with the advent of modern dishes in recent times.
PNN