The Economy of Sal Tree: From Traditional Handcrafts to the Health and Construction Sectors

Sweta Mishra

Biodiversity and Conservation Lab., Ambika Prasad Research Foundation, Odisha, India.

Sugimani Marndi

Biodiversity and Conservation Lab., Ambika Prasad Research Foundation, Odisha, India.

Rajkumari Supriya Devi

Biodiversity and Conservation Lab., Ambika Prasad Research Foundation, Odisha, India.

Subhalakshmi Rout

Biodiversity and Conservation Lab., Ambika Prasad Research Foundation, Odisha, India.

Sanjeet Kumar *

Biodiversity and Conservation Lab., Ambika Prasad Research Foundation, Odisha, India.

*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.


Abstract

Shorea robusta C.F. Gaertn. (Sal tree) is a keystone tree species of tropical deciduous forests in India, valued for its ecological, medicinal, cultural, and economic importance. Keeping the importance of this tree and climate change scenario, an attempt has been made to document the utility of plant parts of Sal. Through extensive literature survey and field survey for collection plant parts, results are presented in this paper. Results revealed that leaves are traditionally stitched into eco-friendly plates and bowls, providing sustainable livelihoods for rural and tribal women. Twigs are widely used as natural toothbrushes (Datun), offering antimicrobial benefits and supporting traditional oral care. The Sal flower plays a central role in the Santal Baha Bonga festival, symbolizing fertility and renewal. Sal resin (Jhuna) is employed in Ayurveda for its antiseptic and wound-healing properties and is commercially important in incense and varnish production. Rugda mushroom (Astraeus hygrometricus), associated with Sal forests, provides nutritional and economic value. Ecologically, Sal forests regulate water, conserve soil, enhance fertility via ectomycorrhiza, and aid carbon sequestration. Thus, S. robusta integrates culture, health, economy, and ecology, for sustainable forest-based livelihoods and biodiversity conservation. Present study highlights the importance of this tree and draw attention towards there is a need of study such tree species.

Keywords: Bioactive compounds, conservation, sustainability, trees, tribals


How to Cite

Sweta Mishra, Sugimani Marndi, Rajkumari Supriya Devi, Subhalakshmi Rout, and Sanjeet Kumar. 2025. “The Economy of Sal Tree: From Traditional Handcrafts to the Health and Construction Sectors”. BIONATURE 45 (2):51–60. https://doi.org/10.56557/bn/2025/v45i22065.

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