Document Repository and Sectoral Scope Summary

Abstract

Mahua (Madhuca longifolia) is an important non-timber forest product (NTFP) supporting the livelihoods of forest-dependent communities in central India. Conventional flower collection involves gathering naturally fallen flowers from the forest floor, often requiring the removal or burning of leaf litter to improve visibility and facilitate collection. These practices contribute to anthropogenic forest-fire risk and prolonged human presence in forest habitats. The present study aimed to develop a mahua flower collector that facilitates cleaner and more sustainable flower collection while providing a potential alternative to leaf-litter burning. The collector comprises an adjustable circular mild-steel frame, supporting arms, a green 90% shade-net collection system, gravity-assisted sloping sections, and four discharge openings connected to collection chambers. Field measurements of mahua tree trunks and canopy dimensions were used to inform the design and sizing of the prototype. The collector was fabricated using locally available materials at an estimated cost of Rs. 31,000 (US$325) and was demonstrated under field conditions. The prototype was designed to provide extensive coverage of the observed canopy projection and was demonstrated to be installable by three persons in approximately 30 minutes. The collection system is designed to potential eliminate the need for leaf-litter burning, facilitate cleaner flower collection, and potentially reduce collection time, labour intensity, and occupational exposure during harvesting. The technology may also contribute indirectly to reducing human presence in tiger habitats during the mahua collection season and thereby support human–wildlife conflict mitigation. A preliminary economic assessment indicates potential for repeated seasonal use (8-10 years), while a Forest Department-supported rental or shared-use model could improve accessibility for local communities. Overall, the developed collector represents a locally adaptable engineering innovation with potential applications in sustainable NTFP collection, forest-fire prevention, livelihood enhancement, and community-based forest management. Multi-season field validation, ergonomic assessment, durability testing, user acceptance studies, and quantitative evaluation of fire-reduction and economic benefits are required to establish its long-term effectiveness and scalability.

Keywords:Madhuca longifolia, Mahua, Non-timber forest products, Forest fire prevention, Sustainable harvesting, Sustainable forest management