By British rule and World War II, the bidi industry gradually set its grip. The Gujarat drought of 1899 turned many families towards making bidis, which made it not only the means of employment, but also to live life. With the arrival of the railway, tobacco and bidi started reaching the village and city easily. Bidi gave everyone a means of smoking regardless of caste, religion and society. Not only this, this small industry gave life to rural economies and provided employment from house to house. Bidi not only smoke, but also became the story of hard work, history and general public
Mahatma Gandhi and Swadeshi Movement
During the 1920 indigenous movement, the educated class left cigarettes and adopted bidi. Due to this, the scope of bidi spread from rural and lower-middle class to Indian aristocracy. At the time of freedom struggle, the bidi industry made a hold in every section of the society.
Today India is the second largest producer and third largest exporter of tobacco and bidi in the world. India mainly exports tobacco and bidi to Belgium, Korea, Nigeria, Egypt and Nepal. In 2020, India exported tobacco worth Rs 305 crore.
Bidi production and major states
Bidi is produced mainly in Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, West Bengal, Bihar and Odisha. Most bidis are made in homes, where women and children are the main part of it. The annual production is around 550 billion beedi per year.
Easy process of making bidi
Employment and rural economy
The bidi industry gives employment to about 45.7 million people directly and indirectly in India. This includes Tendu leaf -breaking, roll maker and factory laborers. This industry has been a major source of livelihood of poor women and children.
Bidi affects society and economy
Bidi is not only part of people’s smoking habits, but it contributes significantly to rural and urban economies. The government also takes caution in controlling it in view of its employment impact.