One of the Myrobolans, though used in tanning is inferior to Harra. As per an estimate, to give same effect, amount of Baheda required is 5 times that of Harra.

Availability and Spread

The state of undivided MP has potential to produce 5000 MTs of Baheda per year generating an employment of 1.5 lakh person days a year. Traders’ estimate regarding flow of Baheda through Betul, one major Mandi of MP is 250 tonnes.

Utilisation

Apart from fruits that are used for tanning, kernels yield inedible oil used for soap manufacture, but it does not give adequate detergency and foaming. Ripe fruits are used as an astringent in combination with chebulic Myrobolans, half ripe fruits used as purgative due to presence of an oil having properties similar to those of castor oil. Baheda is also used for medicinal purposes. The oil is applied to hair and rheumatic swellings. This is also used for making agarbattis.

Production and Pricing (including trend)

Figure : Price Trend of Bahada in Katni Mandi

This being a non-nationalised produce, it is difficult to get any reliable figures on the same. Unlike its counter parts, Aonla and Harra, Baheda is considered a poor cousin and price has hardly moved beyond Rs. 2 a KG. There also does not seem to be much demand for the produce. As can be observed from the figure below, the prices have remained within a particular brand over the last 15 years.