ABSTRACT
This study evaluates the importance of Mahua (Madhuca latifolia Macb.) and contribution of mahua flower and fruits to the household economy of tribes of Odisha, based on field surveys carried in 10 agroecological zones. The number of mahua trees that the households owned varied from 4.5 (in Nabarangpur) to 9 (in Angul). The annual income from ‘NTFPs other than Mahua’ was found highest (Rs. 5412) in Koraput and lowest (Rs. 1072) in Bolangir. The annual income from flowers and seed oil of Mahua was found highest (Rs. 22306) in Bolangir and lowest (Rs. 7631) in Baleswar. The contribution of Mahua products to the total income was maximum in Bolangir (95.49%) and minimum in Nuapada (60.23%). Similarly, the contribution of Mahua products to the total income generated from all sources was found maximum (21.94%) in Sundargarh and minimum (14.12%) in Baleswar. Mahua was found providing critical subsistence to the forest fringe dwellers during lean seasons and is being used for a variety of uses for not only household consumption but also for sell, however, the earning from various Mahua 2products has not been very satisfactory in Odisha as it is not a freely tradable non-timber forest product despite the fact that it has good prospective to make a better living to rural households.
