Woven into every stage of tribal life, conception to death, marriage to funerals, mahua is an underrated green treasure
A decade ago, a Google search for "Mahua+India" primarily yielded Facebook profiles of women named Mahua, Bengali ancestry sites, and, finally on page 3 of the search results, an article referencing the Mahua tree (The Hindustan Times, January 2, 2014). The bond between tribal communities and their forests is inseparable, with Mahua (Madhuca longifolia) playing a vital economic and cultural role in their lives. Mahua is deeply woven into every stage of life—from conception to death, marriage to funerals.
Tribals utilize nearly every part of the Mahua tree for diverse purposes, including syrup, chutney, purée, oil, liquor, medicine, and fodder. Even expectant mothers consume chutney made from Mahua flowers due to its rich nutritional value, containing essential vitamins, proteins, minerals, and fats. Tribal communities have cherished Mahua liquor, a traditional sweetened beverage with vibrant floral notes, for centuries. For them, Mahua is not just a tree—it is a way of life.
Odisha is one of the largest Mahua-producing states in the country. Mahua in Odisha found in Mayurbhanj, Koraput, Rayagada, Kalahandi, Nabarangpur, Nuapada, Bolangir, Sundergarh, Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, Deogarh, and Dhenkanal districts. The Mahua flower business is a major source of livelihood for forest fringe communities, particularly tribals, during the summer seasons. Every year, approximately 20,000 to 25,000 tons of Mahua are harvested in Odisha. Fresh flowers are collected by gatherers and sold to traders after being dried for 4-5 days. Usually, traders pay households in advance at a pre-decided rate for the flowers. Such practices diminish the bargaining power of the collectors. Primary collectors rarely sell their produce in mainstream markets or local haats.
Despite its significant production, diverse uses, and demand, Mahua's identity remains largely tied to alcohol production. Even villagers often lack knowledge of its full potential, limiting market opportunities. This has adversely affected household incomes, as Mahua collection—primarily during February and March—was once a vital economic activity that provided financial support during lean agricultural months.
Given its widespread availability and versatile utility, a few strategic government interventions could enhance its economic potential:
1. Strengthening Market Linkages
Although Mahua is widely utilized by various institutions for profitable purposes, local primary collectors in rural areas remain largely unaware of these opportunities, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation by middlemen. To address this, the government should establish direct procurement centres, similar to those for rice, to eliminate intermediaries and ensure fair pricing for tribal collectors. Additionally, integrating Mahua marketing with e-commerce platforms and fostering partnerships with national and international buyers could significantly enhance market access.
Currently, multiple government agencies such as ORMAS, DRETS, VSS, and VVDVK operate with government support to strengthen the grassroots economy. Their services can be leveraged in a structured manner to collectivize primary producers and equip them with skills for value addition. Institutionalizing opportunities for producer collectives to participate in trade fairs and exhibitions would further promote value-added products like Mahua liquor, seed oil, and sweets, enhancing income and market reach.
2. Value Addition and Processing Units
Establishing small-scale processing units at the community level can enhance value addition by producing dried flowers, biofuel, liquor, oil, and medicinal extracts. Providing training on scientific harvesting, storage, and processing techniques will help maintain quality and reduce wastage. Additionally, encouraging cooperatives, VDVKs, VSS, and self-help groups (SHGs) to manufacture and brand Mahua-based products can strengthen market access and improve local livelihoods.
3. Policy and Financial Support
Implementing a minimum support price (MSP) for Mahua flowers and seeds can ensure fair compensation for tribal collectors while reducing exploitation. Providing subsidies, low-interest loans, and grants to entrepreneurs and tribal cooperatives will encourage value addition and entrepreneurship. Simplifying legal approvals for the sale and transport of Mahua-based products under the Forest Rights Act (FRA) could boost commercialization. Additionally, promoting research initiatives to explore new applications of Madhuca Indica could further enhance its economic potential and sustainability.
The government should focus on the enterprise-driven promotion of Mahua, enabling tribal communities to benefit directly from its economic gains.
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*Development professional with over 17 years of work experience in forest ecosystem governance, gender empowerment and livelihood
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