Rainfall Cuts Mahua Harvest, Threatening Income of Jharkhand Tribes

Every year from February to May, Mamta Tigga of Gumla village in Jharkhand gathers mahua flowers, gethi kanda (air potato) and tendu leaves from the Indian ebony tree. These forest products are vital for food, medicine and household income. In recent seasons, Mamta has observed a marked decline in mahua availability. While a typical harvest yields 4–5 quintals, this year’s excessive rain produced only about 25 kg. The family, whose husband works as a driver, relies on the sale of these items to meet basic needs. A recent review in Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems examines how such climate‑driven changes affect communities in Jharkhand.