Siali is a gigantic climber
and one of the most abundant of Indian climbing species. Its
leaves are extensively used as leaf cups, plates and also
used in pan shops as wrappers. Though it is a fibre-producing
climber it is generally looked upon as an enemy due to damage
it can do to healthy trees.
Availability and Spread
Mahul occurs in all types of forests, but
more extensively in Sal forests. As per an estimate 10,000
tonnes of leaves are produced in the state. Though it occurs
all over, but most collections are reported in Bilaspur, Durg,
Raipur, and Sarguja circles. As per available information
in late 80s, average yearly collection of Siali leaves was
7834 tones in undivided MP, out of which Chhatisgarh accounted
for 86.66% in terms of production and 80.93 % in terms of
revenue. More then half of the production came from single
circle of Bilaspur.
People now feel that this climber has declined
considerably. Large climbers are a rare occurrence. Cutting
of climbers during felling season is still prescribed by working
plans and followed.
Economic Aspects
A person on an average can collect 5.5 kg
per day as reported in surveys. (Shukla and Bhatnagar 1994).
A study done in Bilaspur and Mandla reveals that collection
of leaves gives employment of nearly 6 months in interior
areas. The study’s findings say that where as 112 days
on an average are spent in interior areas, half of the duration
is spent in peripheral areas. At the same time, the rates
received by persons in interior areas are lesser then their
counterparts in periphery.
Trade aspects
Sarguja circle in Chhatisgarh produces
6000 MT of Siali leaves per annum that is mostly used
in processing of plates and cups sold in south India.
It is the contractors who engage the villagers in first
collecting the leaves and then processing them, in the
process making a profit of nearly Rs. 2 a Kg of leaves
collected. This translated to nearly Rs. 1 crores of
profit in the circle alone in one forest produce.
The CF of the circle taking active interest
tried to engage the FPC members in processing of Siali
leaves. On the basis of MP government JFM resolution
of 1995 the CF passed an order reserving the mahul leaves
for the FPC members only so that members will collect
and sell the produce to contractors as per tender received.
In this process the members would have got additional
benefit. The response to tenders was good.
However, some other parties who were
loosing in the process moved the Jabalpur court. The
court finally ruled that the state had no right over
non-nationalised produces and JFM resolution only declared
intentions of the government and is not a law on basis
of which certain sections of people can be barred trade
in a produce. The CF had to retract his order. |
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