Study Title: Economics of Mazri Making as Source of Livelihood in Nomadic Lifestyle of Balochistan, Pakistan

Abstract

The present study was conducted to chalk out socioeconomic characteristic, average per unit cost of production and average net return earned by the mazri producers. Mazri is a dwarf palm grows naturally in the dry tropical regions of Pakistan. Mates, ropes, banns, ornamental products, different commodities for mosques, baskets, brooms, trays, hand fans, grain bins, cordage, cupboards and decoration pieces etc. are prepared from the foliage of this plant. Balochistan is the biggest producer of Mazri in Pakistan with an average annual production of 27,265 tonnes. About 65,000 people are directly are indirectly involved in the processing of mazri leaves, among which 78% of them are women. The involvement of women was quite active in mazri manufacturing. Most of the collection and harvesting task was performed by women. The results showed that Rs 118/- is the daily labor charges of a women working on mat making, which is far below than working anywhere else. There is no regular market of mazri, therefore the community is not availing its deserving amount of their produce.