right|thumb|Packs of beedies.

thumb|Beedi making process, rare handicrafts in Akkaraipattu, Sri Lanka. Bidi leaf ([[Bauhinia racemosa) and shredded tobacco are prepared and finalized with thread binding.]]

A beedi (also spelled bidi

By the middle of the 20th century, beedi manufacture had grown into a highly competitive and profitable industry. a cottage industry that is typically done by women in their homes. Analysis of bidi industry in India found that in spite of increase in profits worker wages declined and female workers were paid substantially less than male workers.

Workers roll an average of 500–1000 beedies daily, handling of tobacco flake. published by the Bureau of International Labor Affairs, the informal sector in these countries employs underage children in the production of beedies "in response to consumer preferences".

thumb|right|Informal sector making beedi.

thumb|Women Crafting Handmade Beedi in [[Chanderi]]

Tendu leaf

Tendu (Diospyros melanoxylon) leaves make excellent wrappers, and the success of the beedi is due, in part, to this leaf.

Health warnings

Beedies deliver more nicotine, and abnormal ventilatory measurements in beedi smokers, as compared with cigarette smokers, was thought to be primarily due to low total consumption of tobacco. Some added influence of smoke produced by burning the wrapper leaf and the type of tobacco used in beedies could not be ruled out.

See also

  • Gutka
  • Paan
  • Kretek
  • Cheroot
  • Cigar

References

  • Action Plan for Beedi Women Workers The International Labor Office Beedi