Rationalization of post-harvesting unit operation of mahua flowers (Madhuca longifolia, Madhuca indiaca): Systematic interventions and benefits for tribals

Abstract

The most common method used for collection of mahua flowers by burning the undergrowth under mahua trees which often caused forest fire and loss or flora and fauna of nature. The comparative analysis of traditional flower collection vis-a-vis net collection was analyzed during the research. The most significant benefits were on prices, time reduction and quality of products. These benefits will encourage the adoption of this technique by forest dwelling communities for mahua collection. The net collected flowers sold at 110 to 120 ₹ compared with 25–30 ₹ with traditional collection (p < 5 ₹). The time and manpower reduced by 80% (p < 1%) in net collection. Total 87.95 K MT mahua exported from India with value of 70.01 million USD in FY 2022. India rank 7th in global export of Mahua in 2022. Nearly 75% of entire tribal household in the country are involved in the collection of mahua flower which will contributes up to 30% of their annual cash income. To handle mahua around 11 lakh peoples are directly involved and 20 to 25 lakh peoples indirectly involved. To produce liquid >90% mahua utilized in India. During this research post-harvest unit operations also standardized. New food product like syrup, cookies, jam, spread, jelly, gummies, energy drink, beverages, hard-boiled candies development were done, and stabilities were conducted with utilization of 10% to 60% mahua.