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Utilization of Mahua Resources:Traditional Knowledge as a Tool for Sustainable Management


Affiliations
1 College of Forestry, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari 396 450, India
 

Mahua (Madhuca longifolia var. latifolia Roxb. A. Chev.) tree has religious and aesthetic value in the ethos of many tribes of Gujarat, India. Traditional knowledge of the people about the various uses of mahua is shrinking rapidly due to the change in socioeconomic status. The present study was conducted to draw the utilization pattern of mahua resources and to document the traditional knowledge of the people involved in its usage in Gujarat. Information regarding pattern of utilization and traditional knowledge about mahua was collected using the participatory rural appraisal method. Results highlighted interesting information on traditional knowledge about processing, product development and medicinal value of mahua resources. The species is under threat and receives less care compared to the benefits drawn from it. Therefore, sustainable management of this valuable species is needed by taking a lesson from traditional knowledge.

Keywords

Mahua Resources, Sustainable Management, Traditional Knowledge, Utilization Pattern.
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  • Utilization of Mahua Resources:Traditional Knowledge as a Tool for Sustainable Management

Abstract Views: 247  |  PDF Views: 68

Authors

H. T. Hegde
College of Forestry, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari 396 450, India
R. P. Gunaga
College of Forestry, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari 396 450, India
N. S. Thakur
College of Forestry, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari 396 450, India
J. B. Bhusara
College of Forestry, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari 396 450, India
R. L. Soundarva
College of Forestry, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari 396 450, India

Abstract


Mahua (Madhuca longifolia var. latifolia Roxb. A. Chev.) tree has religious and aesthetic value in the ethos of many tribes of Gujarat, India. Traditional knowledge of the people about the various uses of mahua is shrinking rapidly due to the change in socioeconomic status. The present study was conducted to draw the utilization pattern of mahua resources and to document the traditional knowledge of the people involved in its usage in Gujarat. Information regarding pattern of utilization and traditional knowledge about mahua was collected using the participatory rural appraisal method. Results highlighted interesting information on traditional knowledge about processing, product development and medicinal value of mahua resources. The species is under threat and receives less care compared to the benefits drawn from it. Therefore, sustainable management of this valuable species is needed by taking a lesson from traditional knowledge.

Keywords


Mahua Resources, Sustainable Management, Traditional Knowledge, Utilization Pattern.

References





DOI: https://doi.org/10.18520/cs%2Fv117%2Fi10%2F1727-1730