Aonla and Forest Produce of Bundi's Vindhyan Forests

The Vindhyan plateau forests of Bundi district yield valuable non-timber forest produce harvested by Meena and Bhil tribal communities. Aonla (Indian gooseberry, Phyllanthus emblica) is the most commercially important, with fruits collected in October-November and sold fresh or processed into amla candy, murabba (preserve), and aonla powder. A single productive aonla tree can yield 50-100 kg of fruit, making it a significant income source for forest-edge households. Mahua (Madhuca longifolia) flowers are collected in March-April before daybreak and dried for food and distillation into a traditional spirit. Tendu leaves (Diospyros melanoxylon), collected in April-May, are used for bidi cigarette wrappers and are procured by the Forest Department under MSP. Gum from Sterculia urens (kullu gum) and Anogeissus latifolia (dhawa gum) are also valuable minor produce.