*Author for correspondence: dinesh.semwal@icar.org.in
Almondette (Buchanania lanzan Spreng.), locally known as “Chironji,” is a dry fruit traditionally used for culinary and medicinal purposes by local communities and tribal groups in the Bundelkhand region of India. This species thrives in various habitats within Bundelkhand and several states in central India. Local communities and tribal groups in the area continue to maintain traditional knowledge regarding the extraction of kernels from Chironji nuts. During an exploration conducted in May-June 2024, we documented a traditional practice of kernel extraction with the assistance of local informants. Our visit to Bijawar village in Chhatarpur district, Madhya Pradesh, revealed that the locals have traditionally employed old decorticating tools called «Chhanna,» made of iron, to process Chironji nuts. After processing and grading, the Chironji kernels are sold in the local market at a high price, ranging from ₹1,800 to ₹2,200 per kilogram. Chironji is facing a severe threat to its existence due to extensive exploitation and needs to be protected in in-situ conservation areas for sustainable utilization.
Bundelkhand region, Chironji, Economic Potential, Traditional seed processing
