| Figure:
Trade Channel of Dhawai Flower
Nagarmotha (Cyperus scariosus)
Found mostly in damp places and banks of
nullah and river and available during October – November,
root of this grass is considered as cordial stomachic desiccant
diaphoretic and diuretic. The root is given in conjunction
with valerian in cases of epilepsy. It is astringent, useful
in Diarrhoea; decoction is used in gonorrhoea and in cephalictic
infections. It is used in malformation of teeth and bone and
for avoiding foul smell in mouth.
Marketing Channel
The study in Sarguja indicates that approximately
100 MT of this produce is available in this region. The produce
through traditional routes finds its way to Kanauj, the biggest
centre for its trade. This is because Kanauj is famous for
its perfume processing industry.
Tasar/ Kosa Cocoon
Kosa cocoons are used in production of Silk.
India is one of the important countries that produce silk.
In India, undivided MP and Bihar (Now it is probably Chhatisgarh
and Jharkhand) account for most of the production). Even in
Chhatisgarh, it is the southern part that accounts for maximum
production.
Cocoons are a kind of warm that feed on variety
of trees. Of the worms, Tassar is not domesticated and feeds
on Sal, Arjun Lendia, Jamun and other varieties. Tribals have
practised Tassar rearing for a long time. The season for Tassar
rearing is between August and December. A crop taken after
this period does not give right size and quality of fibre.
Bastar, Bilaspur, Raigarh and Sarguja are
the districts where Tassar rearing is practised in the state.
Kosha (Tassar Cocoon) is available in two
seasons, main season being from July to October & Mini
Season from January to February. If the collected cocoon is
complete and not damaged by Monkey, Rats or Butterfly it is
called Relly (Grade –1 quality) that gives a good price
to collector. If it is damaged, it is called Polly (Grade
–2 quality) that gives less price – usually 1/3rd
of the former. Kosha is sold to Sambalpur, Bhagalpur, Champa
& Cuttack businessman for further processing. It is not
processed at Raipur or Jagdalpur.
Mushrooms and Tubers
The local names of mushrooms available at
the forest are Majurunda, Basan Chati, Dengur Chati, Kendu
Chati & Bhata Chati. Boda is one type of hard mushroom,
looks and tests like Meal Maker (Soya Nugget) and is plentily
available during Monsoon. In Sarguja, the local mushrooms
are known as puttu and khukudiand are collected during rainy
season in July and August.
Many varieties of tubers are available in
the forest. Some are used as main food, some as vegetables
and some as Tiffin. Kanda is available all through the year,
but summer season is the peak collection period. Pita Kanda
& Soranda Kanda is used as Tiffin. Pita Kanda & Targia
Kanda is used as Vegetable.
Tubers and Mushrooms are usually for self-consumption
and are not traded. When sold, they are generally sold in
packets of roughly 250 grams for Rs. 5.
The tribal people also collect honey from
forests and keep it in their houses for festive occasions
or sell it at prices ranging from Rs 30 - 40 per kg to local
traders. |
