Analysing price trends of Bahera (Terminalia bellerica) in Central India

Abstract

Present study examined the market prices of Terminalia bellirica (Gaertn.) Roxb. commonly known as ‘Bahera,’ occurring naturally in central Indian forests. It is native to several Asian countries and is widely used in traditional medicinal systems like Ayurveda, Unani, and Chinese medicine and also has extensive pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications. Various parts of the tree, particularly its fruits, are utilized to treat a range of health conditions, including hepatitis, bronchitis and skin issues. In the present study wholesale market rates were collected in selected markets and its price trends were analyzed over a 12-year period (2010-2021) in Central India. This analysis revealed intriguing insights into pricing dynamics, regional variations, and temporal fluctuations, emphasizing the economic significance of Bahera in the region. Variability in pricing was also observed, with markets like Dhamtari, Betul, and Shivpuri exhibiting higher price fluctuations, while markets like Katni, Mandla, and Sheopur remained relatively stable. These findings shed light on the complex interplay of economic and market-related factors that influence Bahera’s pricing trends in Central India.