Propagation: The tree reproduces through seed and coppice. The suitable sowing time in India is July to August. The seeds germinate after a good shower of monsoon rains. The seeds which get covered under the soil, germinate better and give rise to the seedlings while those lying exposed are either attacked by insects or fungus or their emerging radicals dry up before getting a hold in the soil. Some seedlings get suppressed and killed by all weeds and grasses. Forest fires, trampling and browsing by animals also take a heavy toll of the seedlings. Seedling growth of seed origin is slow and except in the open, seedling regeneration is quite scanty.

Nursery Practice:

• Nursery site: The soil of the nursery should be sandy in nature, though mahua can be grown in all types of soils.

• Seed Collection and Storage: Collection of seeds and kernel separation is done by tribals and rural people in an unorganized manner. Hence, there is considerable loss during and storage of kernel. Each seed contains two kernels of size 25 x 17.5 mm. Kernel contains about 50% oil. If oil extraction is done by local oil mill, 20 to 30% of oil is obtained, whereas expeller yields 34 to 37% oil. Residual oil from the expelled cake can be extracted by solvent extraction.

• Seed Storage: The storage condition of kernel determines the quality of expelled oil, as the kernels are susceptible to both fungus (Aspergillus flavus and Rhizopus sp) and insect (Oryzaephilus surinamensis) attack during the storage. Studies carried out on storage have revealed that it is better to store the kernel at 5 to 6% moisture levels in gunny bags treated with Cephos (Aluminium Phosphide). Proper storage ensures lower FFA and higher recovery of neutral oil free from colour and odour arising partly from fungal growth.

• Seed Sowing: The soil of nursery beds should be sandy in nature. Seed is sown, soon after collection, in the nursery beds and covered with about 20 mm of soil. Beds are irrigated after sowing. Germination takes place in about 10 days. Seeds may be sown in polythene bags or baskets.

• Picking Out: One month old small seedling from mother beds are picked out and replanted in baskets or other containers and kept till fit for planting. For stump planting, seedlings are put into transplant beds spaced about 200 to 250 mm apart. In nursery, watering is done immediately and thereafter at regular intervals for proper growth. Sown seedlings require weeding and soil work for first two years to simulate proper growth.

• Vegetative Propagation / Cloning Techniques: Propagation of mahua tree by means of cuttings and layering has been found to be unsuccessful.

Plantation: Before undertaking plantation, the site is cleared by cutting and burning all woody growth. Pits at a distance of 9m x 9m or 10m x 10m should be dug in summer. Pit size 300 x 300 x 300 mm is best for planting of mahua in lateritic soil. However, pits of smaller sizes can also be used depending on the nature & soil thickness of the site.
Block Planting: The trees can be raised by direct sowing or by planting of nursery raised seedlings. In direct sowing of 4 to 6 seeds per pit are sown, covering them with 15 to 25 mm soil in June or July or as soon as seeds are ripe. Before sowing the seed pit should be filled with mixture of soil, sand and farmyard manure (FYM) in the ratio of 3:2:1. After sowing, the pit should be watered, if monsoon rains are delayed. Direct sowing give survival of 24 to 66%.
Diseases: Fungii like Aspergillus flavus, A. niger, Penicillium Sp. and Stathmopoda basiplectra causes deterioration in seeds and fruits. Leaf spots, leaf blight and leaf rust diseases are common in nursery as well as in plantation.
Pests: Defoliation and flower drop are common insect pests problems associated with mahua both in nursery and plantation.
Parasites: Dendrophthoe Falcate (L.f.) is serious parasite for attacking the growth and productivity of Madhuca. There is considerable reduction in the formation of inflorescence and the flower size of the plant. The parasite simultaneously weakens the plants and on ageing the plant dies. The parasite can be controlled by applying certain weedicides like 2,4D and Gramoxone. The manual cutting or removal of parasite from infected plants is also suggested.
Mahua cake can be used as a cheap organic manure. Mahua cake contains 3.5% Nitrogen, 50.51% Proteins.
The flowers are used as vegetable, for making cake, liquor. Flower juice is used in the treatment of enlargement of auxiliary gland, neurotic disorder and taken with cow’s milk as an aphrodisiac, in cough and bronchitis. The derived liquor desired from the fermentation of flowers is considered to be a tonic and nutritive.