Resource Assessment of Amala (Phyllanthus emblica L.) in Bajhang District: A Detailed Study

from Byansi and Rayal VDCs

A Report Prepared By

District Forest Office, Bajhang

Consultant: Khilendra Gurung

June, 2008

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

I would like to acknowledge Mr. Sanjeev Kumar Shrestha, NTFP specialist- WUPAP

for facilitating the field work to Bajhang district. I am particularly thankful to Mr. Lal

Narayan Singh, DFO, Bajhang and other staffs of District Forest Office, Bajhang for

providing information, survey data, necessary support and cooperation to carry out

this work.

I am grateful to teachers of Jana Priya Lower Secondary School, Jhuteda village and all the local people of Byansi and Rayal VDCs for providing me with the information of Amala availability areas and their traditional use practices in the study VDCs.

I would also like to thank Mr. Keshab Raj Bhatta, Laxmi Raj Joshi, Kalyan Negi, Chakra Bahadur Kathayat, Junga Bahadur Bista, Tipure Upadhyaya and Ram Chandra Dhami –District Forest Office, Bajhang for assisting me in the field trip to Byansi and Rayal VDCs during the study period.

Special thanks goes to Mr. Rupak Ram Joshi-Monitoring and Evaluation Officer,

LDFB, Bajhang for the overall information of the area and for his kind cooperation

during the study period.

Khilendra Gurung

June, 2008

Table of Content

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION

1.1 Introduction 1

1.2 Objectives 2

CHAPTER TWO: STUDY AREA

2.1 Physiognomy of Bajhang district 3

2.2 Study area 3

CHAPTER THREE: METHODOLOGY

3.1 Data collection 5

3.2 Biophysical data 5

3.3 Inventory technique 5

3.4 Socio-economic data 6

3.5 Data analysis 6

3.5.1 Density 6

3.5.2 Frequency 6

CHAPTER FOUR: FINDINGS

4.1 Areas of occurrence 7

4.2 Distribution spots of Amala 7

4.2.1 Byansi VDC 7

4.2.2 Rayal VDC 7

4.3 Density of Amala 8

4.3.1 Byansi VDC 8

4.3.2 Rayal VDC 8

4.4 Current stock of Amala 8

4.4.1 Byansi VDC 8

4.4.2 Rayal VDC 9

4.5 Species association 9

4.6 Fruiting and harvesting 12

4.7 Storage 12

4.8 Estimated yield 12

4.8.1 Byansi VDC 12

4.8.2 Rayal VDC 12

4.9 Local uses of Amala 12

4.10 Commercial uses of Amala 12

4.11 Trading of Amala 13

4.12 Identification of enterprises and their modalities to be set up

in study sites 13

CHAPTER FIVE: CONCLUSION

5.1 Conclusion 14

5.2 Recommendations 14

REFERENCES 16

Lists of Tables

Table 1: Density of Amala in Byansi VDC 8

Table 2: Density of Amala in Rayal VDC 8

Table 3: Total stock of Amala in Byansi VDC 9

Table 4: Total stock of Amala in Rayal VDC 9

Table 5: Frequency of associated species Byansi VDC 10

Table 6: Frequency of associated species Rayal VDC 11

Table 7: Potentiality for enterprise development in Byansi and Rayal VDCs13

Abbreviations and acronyms

0C: Degree Centigrade

ANSAB: Asia Network for Sustainable Agriculture and Bioresources

CFUG: Community Forest User Group

cm: Centimeter

comm.: Communication

DBH: Diameter at Breast Height

DFO: District Forest Office/Officer

E: East

Ha: Hectare

HMG: His Majesty’s Government

Kg: Kilogram

LDFB: Local Development Fund Board

LF: Leasehold Forest

Ltd.: Limited

M: Meter

N: North

NEHHPA: Nepal Herbs and Herbal Products Association

No: Number

NSCFP: Nepal Swiss Community Forestry Project

pers.: Personal

PRA: Participatory Rural Appraisal

Pt: Plant

VDC: Village Development Committee

WUPAP: Western Upland Poverty Alleviation Project

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION

1.1 Introduction

Bajhang district is rich in biological diversity that harbors several species of flora and

fauna of tropical to alpine regions. The plant species of both ecological and

economic significance have been distributed in the district which has been utilized by

the local people in the form of timber, fodder, fuel wood and other materials for

domestic uses. With variation in altitude, aspect and overall terrain, the district

provides habitat for different life forms that are directly and indirectly useful for

uplifting the livelihood of local people.

In the varied habitats of the district, there are different plants occupying special

habitats which are the assets of the district. The local people have been using them

for their daily use as well as medicine and other purposes for long time. Plants of the

region have been serving as the base of ethno-botanical knowledge.

Besides all these facts, there are lots of species whose actual distribution and

potentiality has not been assessed yet. The conservation, extension and utilization of

such species can prove instrumental for the improvement of sustainable livelihoods

of the people residing in the regions.

Amala (Phyllanthus emblica L.) is a medium sized deciduous tree about 15m high of

the family Euphorbiaceae that occurs throughout Nepal ranging from 100-1600m. It

is also found in India, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, South China and Southeast Asia

(Manandhar, 2002; NEHHPA, 2005). In Bajhang district, the distribution of Amala

has been reported in Kaphalseri, Pipalkot, Khiratadi, Sunkuda, Rayal, Maulali,

Byansi, Matela, Kandel, Malumela, Koiralakot, Pauwagadhi, Lamatola, Subeda,

Rithapata, Chainpur VDCs of Bajhang (pers. comm.); however the actual status of

the distribution and their economic potentiality has not been studied.

The fruit is sour and its juice is considered cooling, diuretic, laxative; useful for

burning sensations of the heart and urinary discharge, thirst, diseases of the heart,

liver complaints and eye troubles. The fruit is a rich source of Vitamin C.

The dried fruit is detergent and is employed for washing the head in some parts of

Nepal. It is one of the ingredients of ‘Chyawanprash’ and ‘Triphala’- the infusion of

three Myrobalans: Emblica (Phyllanthus emblica), Chebulic (Terminalia chebula) and

Belleric (Terminalia bellirica), which is stomachic and cooling and considered as

tonic (Manandhar, 1989; ANSAB, 2003). The dried fruit is also valued in cases of

hemorrhage, jaundice, dyspepsia, diarrhea and dysentery (HMG, 1970; Manandhar,

2002).

The dried Amala fruit crushed with the fruit of Harro (Terminalia chebula) is taken

with water or milk for the remedy of stomach disorders. The fruit is eaten raw and

also pickled. The fruits, leaves and bark all contain tannin and are used for tanning

purposes in various parts of Nepal (Manandhar, 1989; ANSAB, 2003).

In this strength of information and taking into consideration the potentiality of the

species in the district, District Forest Office (DFO), Bajhang/Western Upland Poverty

Alleviation Project (WUPAP)/ Local Development Fund Board (LDFB), Bajhang

wished to carry out the detail assessment of Amala in the Southern region of

Bajhang (Byansi and Rayal VDCs).

1.2 Objectives

The overall objective of the study is to explore the sites of Amala distribution and the

sites potential to extend them in Southern part of Bajhang.

The specific objectives are as follows:

To observe and verify the survey data collected by DFO

To assess the availability and distribution sites of Amala in Southern part of

Bajhang

To map potential spot having Amala within the study area through participatory

approach

To document the current use pattern of Amala in the study area

To prepare the management plan of Amala

To identify the potential community based forest enterprises that can be set up

CHAPTER TWO: STUDY AREA

2.1 Physiognomy of Bajhang district

Bajhang district lies in the far western region in Seti Zone of Nepal. By covering an

area of 3, 47,559.40 ha, it lies at 290 29’–300 09’ N latitude and 800 46’–810 34’ E

longitude. The altitudinal range varies from 915–7077m representing tropical,

temperate and alpine types of climate. The district is surrounded by the Tibetan

plateau and Humla to the North, Bajura and Humla to the East, Darchula and Baitadi

to the West and Doti and Baitadi to the South.

Saipal Himal, Arya Himal and Nampa Himal are the major Himalayan peaks. Seti

River, Surma Sarovar, Tima Pond, Khaptad Lake, Lokund Lake, Khapar Pond,

Tilsari Lake and Ramcha Pond are the major lake and river system.

Only 12% of the total land area of the district is suitable for agriculture and 29.47%

area is covered with forest. Bushy types of vegetation are of special interest in the

district.

The average rainfall in the district is 1343.9mm.The average temperature of the

district was recorded as 18.60C as highest temperature and 5.70C as lowest

temperature.

The ecological zones of the district encompass Riverine (Dalbergia-Acacia), Chir Pine, Alder, Himalayan Oak-Laurel, Mixed Rhododendron-Maple, Temperate Mountain Oak, Fir-Hemlock-Oak, Rhododendron, Birch-Rhododendron, Moist Alpine Scrub and Upper Alpine Meadows forest and vegetation types.

2.2 Study area

The study area viz. Byansi VDC lies in the Central and Rayal VDC lies in the

Southern part of Bajhang district. The forest areas of Rijekhola, Pairadi, Kuliban

Kalemelo, Bahaselo, Sajhamelo, Saltang, Painsej around Jhuteda village were the

study areas in Byansi VDC. Similarly, forests around Deura, Chandam, Jhadikhet,

Pathoda and Chaudalo were the main fields of study area for the observation and

measurement of Amala resource. The map of the study area is shown below.

CHAPTER THREE: METHODOLOGY

3.1 Data collection

Both biophysical and socio-economic information were collected. Biophysical data

were collected and analyzed to find the status of Amala in the area such as

distribution, diversity, yield and so on. Socio-economic data were collected to find

local uses of the species, its potentiality in the area and concerned issues. The study

made use of both primary and secondary information related to the objectives.

Primary data were collected using different tools like observation, measurements,

group interview, consultation with key informants and other relevant PRA tools. The

school teachers, local leaders, hotel owners, shepherds, farmers were the main key

informants interviewed. The secondary information was collected from related

publications, research papers, DFO and other documents as per necessity. The

secondary data were collected for the verification of primary data and additional

information as well.

3.2 Biophysical data

The observations and necessary measurements took place in the selected clusters.

It is the best way to sample populations for which there are no convenient lists or

frame. It is based on the fact that the species thrives more or less in natural groups

or clusters. It is also the way to minimize travel time in reaching scattered units of

data collection.

Participatory forest inventory techniques as prescribed by NSCFP (2002) were also

used to find out as well as to analyze the complex and most interdependent

variables like fruiting status, resource condition and yield potentiality. Villagers from

the nearby settlements participated in the inventory and assessments.

3.3 Inventory technique

Quadrats of 10 x 10m2 in square plots were laid down randomly and the species was

counted and enlisted in each plot. Also, all the associated species were recorded. Generally

the plant having DBH more than 10cm is considered as matured tree. But, Amala is a small

tree and in practice the plants with DBH about 5cm are fully matured. So, 5cm DBH is

proposed as matured tree for Amala. From different plots, human interference in Amala was

analyzed by observing the number of cut stumps.

Associated plant species were identified on the basis of consultant’s knowledge and

with the help of reference literatures such as Polunin and Stainton (1997) and

Stainton (1997) and consultation with local people.

3.4 Socio-economic data

Participatory mapping, key informant interview and other PRA tools were applied for

collecting relevant social and economic information. Key informants were usually the

local leaders, traders, elderly persons having adequate knowledge and experiences,

teachers and elite people either single or in groups, DFO staffs and other relevant

persons. Verbal open ended questions were asked for the interview and discussions.

The consultant explored the sites of Amala distribution in the region on the basis of

information provided by the local informants and records provided by DFO, Bajhang.

3.5 Data analysis

Collected data were analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively. Data obtained by

using PRA tools were analyzed qualitatively in descriptive methods; whereas data

obtained from inventory technique were analyzed quantitatively. For vegetation

sampling of Amala, frequency and density were analyzed according to Zobel et al.

(1987).

Quantitative characters for vegetation analysis were calculated by using the following

formulae:

3.5.1 Density

Density in general is the total number of individuals of a species in relation to definite

area, which gives the numerical strength of a species in given community (Zobel et

al., 1987). Hence, density is calculated by using the following formula:

3.5.2 Frequency

The frequency refers to the degree of dispersion in terms of percentage occurrence (Zobel et

al., 1987). The frequency of the associated species was calculated as follows:

CHAPTER FOUR: FINDINGS

4.1 Areas of occurrence

Naturally growing Amala was found in dry, sandy loam and clay or mixture of all

different proportions. Moreover, sandy and gravel soil is regarded as the best soil for

the growth of Amala. South, Southwest and West facing slopes - exposed to Sunlight

as well as open areas are the best growing sites for Amala. Moreover, Amala was

recorded between ca. 950-1300m in Rayal VDC whereas it was recorded between

ca. 1000-1400m in Byansi VDC.

4.2 Distribution spots of Amala

4.2.1 Byansi VDC

Regarding the distribution spots of Amala in Byansi VDC of Bajhang, the following

are the availability sites:

1. Rije Khola Leasehold forest (LF) (East to Jhuteda village-2)

2. Pairadi LF (East to Jhuteda village)

3. Kuliban LF (East to Jhuteda village)

4. Kalemelo Community forest (CF) (In between Kitkida and Jhuteda)

5. Sajhamelo area (In between Kitkida and Jhuteda)

6. Bahaselo LF (Below Jhuteda village-1)

7. Saltang forest (West to Jhuteda village-1)

8. Painsej forest (Below Neta village)

4.2.2 Rayal VDC

Similarly, the following spots are the availability sites of Amala in Rayal VDC:

1. Khochadhar (Deura)

2. Kharke khola LF (Chandam)

3. Naru LF (Jhadikhet)

4. Tig forest (In between Pathoda and Rayal)

5. Masinchaur forest (Above Chaudalo village)

4.3 Density of Amala

4.3.1 Byansi VDC

The highest density of Amala in Byansi VDC was recorded in Sajhamelo area (900

individual per hectare) followed by Pairadi LF (500 individual per hectare) and

Kalemelo CF (500 individual per hectare), whereas the lowest density was recorded

in Kuliban LF (200 individual per hectare).

Table 1: Density of Amala in Byansi VDC

SN Spots No. of plants No. of quadrats Density/ha.1 Rije Khola LF 1400 4 3502 Pairadi LF 1000 2 5003 Kuliban LF 400 2 2004 Kalemelo CF 1000 2 5005 Sajhamelo area 900 1 9006 Bahaselo LF 2400 8 3007 Saltang forest 2500 6 416.678 Painsej forest 1500 4 375

4.3.2 Rayal VDC

The highest density of Amala in Rayal VDC was recorded in Khochadhar area (500

individual per hectare) followed by Masinchaur forest (267 individual per hectare)

and Naru LF (250 individual per hectare), whereas the lowest density was recorded

in Kharke khola LF (50 individual per hectare).

Table 2: Density of Amala in Rayal VDC

SNSpots

No. of plants No. of quadrats Density/ha.

1 Khochadhar 500 1 5002 Kharke khola LF 400 8 503 Naru LF 500 2 2504 Tig forest 1000 6 166.675 Masinchaur forest 1600 6 266.67

4.4 Current stock of Amala

4.4.1 Byansi VDC

It is estimated about 32183 Amala resource was recorded in about 86 ha. area in

Byansi VDC. The current stock of Amala in Byansi VDC was recorded highest in

Bahaselo LF (9000 individuals) followed by Saltang forest (8333 individuals) and

Painsej forest (3750 individuals), whereas the lowest stock was recorded in Kuliban

LF (1000 individuals).

Table 3: Total stock of Amala in Byansi VDC

SN Spots Density/ha.

Total area (ha.) Total stock

1 Rije Khola LF 350 8 28002 Pairadi LF 500 6 30003 Kuliban LF 200 5 10004 Kalemelo CF 500 5 25005 Sajhamelo area 900 2 18006 Bahaselo LF 300 30 90007 Saltang forest 416.67 20 8333.338 Painsej forest 375 10 3750

Total   86 32183.33

4.4.2 Rayal VDC

It is estimated about 12917 Amala resource was recorded in about 80.5 ha. area in

Rayal VDC. The current stock of Amala in Rayal VDC was recorded highest in

Masinchaur forest (5333 individuals) followed by Tig forest (3333 individuals) and

Naru LF (2500 individuals), whereas the lowest stock was recorded in Khochadhar

(250 individuals).

Table 4: Total stock of Amala in Rayal VDC

SN Spots Density/ha.

Total area (ha.) Total stock

1 Khochadhar 500 0.5 2502 Kharke khola LF 50 30 15003 Naru LF 250 10 25004 Tig forest 166.67 20 3333.335 Masinchaur forest 266.67 20 5333.33

Total   80.5 12916.67

4.5 Species association

Various plant species were recorded from the study sites of Byansi and Rayal VDCs

of Bajhang as the associated species of Amala. Among them few plant species with

high frequency and ecological similarities are expected as the true friends of Amala.

The lists of associated species with Amala in Byansi and Rayal VDCs are given in

table 5 and 6 respectively.

Table 5: Frequency of associated species Byansi VDC

SN Species Frequency (%)1 Acacia sp 37.502 Agave cantula Roxb. 100.003 Albizia sp 62.504 Artemisia indica Willd. 100.005 Asparagus racemosus Willd. 100.006 Bauhinia purpurea L. 37.507 Berberis asiatica Roxb. ex DC. 75.008 Bergenia ciliata (Haw.) Sternb. 37.509 Boehmeria sp 25.0010 Boenninghausenia albiflora (Hook.) Rchb. Ex Meisn. 12.5011 Bombax ceiba L. 37.5012 Cassia sp 62.5013 Cissampelos pareira L. 87.5014 Colebrookea oppositifolia Sm. 87.5015 Combretum sp 62.5016 Coriaria napalensis Wall. 100.0017 Eupatorium sp 62.5018 Ficus oligodon Miq. 62.5019 Ficus sp 37.5020 Hypericum sp 75.0021 Jatropha curcas L. 37.5022 Juglans regia C. DC. 62.5023 Lyonia ovalifolia (Wall.) Drude 37.5024 Mallotus philippensis (Lam.) Mull. Arg. 62.5025 Myrica esculenta Buch.-Ham. ex D.Don 62.5026 Osyris wightiana Wall. ex Wight 62.5027 Phyllanthus urinaria L. 12.5028 Pinus roxburghii Sarg. 50.0029 Prinsepia utilis Royle 62.5030 Prunus cerasoides D.Don 37.5031 Punica granatum L. 87.5032 Pyracantha crenulata (D.Don) M. Roem. 100.0033 Pyrus pashia Buch.-Ham. ex D.Don 100.0034 Rhus javanica L. 62.5035 Ribes sp 62.5036 Rosa sp 75.0037 Rubus ellipticus Sm. 87.5038 Saccharum spontaneum L. 12.5039 Sapindus mukorossi Gaertn. 37.5040 Sapium insigne (Royle) Benth. ex Hook. f. 100.0041 Sclepias sp 37.5042 Smilax sp 75.0043 Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels 62.50

44 Toona ciliata M. Roem. 62.5045 Urtica dioica L. 25.0046 Verbascum thapsus L. 75.0047 Wikstroemia canescens Meisn. 12.5048 Woodfordia fruticosa (L.) Kurz 62.5049 Zanthoxylum nepalense Babu 62.50

The main associates of Amala in Byansi VDC were Agave cantula (100%), Artemisia indica (100%), Asparagus racemosus (100%), Coriaria napalensis (100%), Pyracantha crenulata (100%), Pyrus pashia (100%) and Sapium insigne (100%).

Table 6: Frequency of associated species Rayal VDC

SN Species Frequency (%)1 Acacia catechu (L. f.) Willd. 1002 Acacia sp 803 Agave cantula Roxb. 1004 Bauhinia vahlii Wight & Arn. 805 Berberis asiatica Roxb. ex DC. 806 Cassia tora L. 207 Cissampelos pareira L. 808 Coriaria napalensis Wall. 809 Diploknema butyracea (Roxb.) H.J. Lam 8010 Euphorbia royleana Boiss. 8011 Jatropha curcas L. 2012 Lantana camara L. 10013 Mallotus philippensis (Lam.) Mull. Arg. 10014 Pinus roxburghii Sarg. 8015 Punica granatum L. 8016 Pyrus pashia Buch.-Ham. ex D.Don 8017 Rubus ellipticus Sm. 8018 Sapium insigne (Royle) Benth. ex Hook. f. 10019 Thysanolaena maxima (Roxb.) Kuntze 8020 Woodfordia fruticosa (L.) Kurz 10021 Xeromphis spinosa (Thunb.) Keay 8022 Zanthoxylum nepalense Babu 80Similarly, the main associates of Amala in Rayal VDC were Acacia catechu (100%), Agave cantula (100%), Lantana camara (100%), Mallotus philippensis (100%), Sapium insigne (100%) and Woodfordia fruticosa (100%).

4.6 Fruiting and harvesting

Flowering of Amala occurs from May-August and fruiting takes place during June-September. Fruits are ready for the harvest from October-December. Fruits are collected by handpicking, swinging the branches and cutting small branches.

4.7 Storage

Harvested fruits are kept for 10 minutes in boiling water to separate the flesh and seed for long term storage. The separated flesh are Sun dried and stored.

4.8 Estimated yield

According to the local collectors, a medium sized and medium aged Amala tree can yield 20-30kg fruits and fully matured large tree yields up to 80kg fruits annually. Thus in average, Amala tree can produce about 50-55kg fruits per year.

4.8.1 Byansi VDC

In Byansi VDC very few medium sized Amala trees were recorded, about 90% plants were found as saplings with less than 5cm DBH. This implies that out of total stock of 32183 plants, only 3218 Amala can yield fruit ca. 50kg per year. Therefore, in average the yield of Amala fruits in Byansi VDC can be estimated to be ca. 161 tons per year. According to Amala processor at Ayurvedic Company of Kathmandu, the fleshy part occupies only 30% of the total weight of fruit. Furthermore, after boiling and drying only 10% of the fleshy parts can be obtained. Therefore, in average the yield of dry Amala in Byansi VDC is estimated to be 4.8 tons per year at present.

4.8.2 Rayal VDC

Similarly in Rayal VDC about 90% plants were found as saplings with less than 5cm DBH. This implies that out of total stock of 12917 plants, only 1292 Amala can yield fruit ca. 50kg per year. Therefore, in average the yield of Amala fruits in Rayal VDC can be estimated to be ca. 65 tons per year. And subsequently the average yield of dry Amala in Rayal VDC is estimated to be 2 tons per year at present.

4.9 Local uses of Amala

The local people of Byansi and Rayal VDC use to eat fresh fruits and sometimes make pickle for the household use. Large trees are cut for firewood and leaves are used for fodder.

4.10 Commercial uses of Amala

Amala fruit is very popular all over the world especially in Eastern world. It has high

demand especially in India and Nepal because of its importance as the source of

Vitamin C and it is the main ingredient of Triphala, Chyawanprash and other

Ayurvedic medicine. According o Kunwar (2006), annually 50 tons of Amala fruit is

collected and exported from Nepal. Dabur Nepal alone collects and processes 30

tons of Amala fruit per year. Other companies that collect and process Amala fruits in

Nepal are Gorkha Ayurved Company P. Ltd., Singha Durbar Vaidyakhana, Fleur

Himalayan P. Ltd. Nardevi Ayurved Hospital, Sri Krishna Aushadhalaya.

4.11 Trading of Amala

There is no trading of Amala fruits in the study areas to till date. The following may be the reason for Amala fruit getting less importance in the study areas:

1. Unaware of its commercial values

2. Traditional living style

3. Transportation constraints

4.12 Identification of enterprises and their modalities to be set up in study sites

On the basis of the resource availability, possibility of handover processing technology/equipments and market linkage potentiality, the following are the potential enterprise that can be set up in the study VDCs.

Table 7: Potentiality for enterprise development in Byansi and Rayal VDCs

SN

NTFPs/ Products

Potentiality for enterprise development

Modality of enterprise

1 Rittha (Sapindus mukorossi)

Cultivation in the marginal lands and trading of fruits

Proprietorship/household level

2 Seeds of Chiuri (Diploknema butyracea)

Edible oil/ghee expelling Proprietorship/household level

3 Ban phanda (Lantana camara)

Bio briquette making from hardwood

Proprietorship/household level

4 Ketuki (Agave cantula)

Fiber processing and weaving sitting mat/mattress

Proprietorship/household level

CHAPTER FIVE: CONCLUSION

5.1 Conclusion

There is lack of adequate information among the local community regarding the use and

benefits of Amala fruits. Except for making pickle neither the collection nor the

processing of the fruits takes place in the region, indicates that the local use of Amala is

mostly limited to fuel wood. The local uses of Amala in the study area in comparison to

its potential uses are almost negligible till now. Therefore, it is relevant to insist here that

the possible commercial and domestic uses of its fruits have remained unexploited due

to the lack of adequate knowledge on this plant.

The curiosity shown by some local people reveals that some innovative people in the

locality will certainly start to collect Amala fruits and process them in the near future for

marketing, if the technical and financial support is provided to them. The collection,

processing and marketing of Amala fruits not only generates the income to the local

people for their livelihood support but also ensures the conservation of the resources in

the areas.

The occurrence of Amala nearby the settlements will be beneficial to carry out small

scale processing of fruits in household level. It needs neither huge collection of fruits nor

the large amount investment in the beginning. Therefore, the species is potential for the

small scale income generating activities of the local people.

In conclusion, the species is of tremendous potential for the area if the following

recommendations are included in the management plan for their effective

implementation.

5.2 Recommendations

The local communities play a crucial role for the conservation and sustainable utilization of the resources in their localities. Conservation and sustainable management are the ever raised issues, but why and how to conserve and manage are the big questions challenging ever. Therefore, the following steps are recommended for addressing conservation and livelihood issues of local communities by promoting Amala in the study VDCs:

1. Awareness programs (workshops, exhibitions, exposure visits and demonstration of the products) on the importance of Amala; conservation and sustainable utilization, cultivation and harvesting at local level need to be conducted.

2. Capacity building/strengthening the concerned FUGs on institutional development, governance/equity, fund mobilization, financial management, record keeping, benefit sharing mechanism etc. should be initiated.

3. Field based training package on Amala promotion; time and technique of collection, local processing technology, storage, quality control, packaging and cultivation should be conducted.

4. Development of biological sustainable harvesting system; block rotation system preferable for harvesting/ participatory monitoring system should be prepared for each user groups.

5. Detailed assessment of the potential enterprises that can be set up in the study VDCs should be conducted in collaboration with various user groups.

6. Feasibility study on market linkage, technology transfer, equipments and availability of skill manpower should be conducted for each product line.

7. Micro-credit facilities should be provided for the initiation of small scale enterprises.

8. Initiation for the management and conduction of pilot model enterprise for Amala processing.

9. Establishment of marketing information system (MIS) on Amala and other NTFPs at the road head centers and Chainpur.

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Polunin, O. and A. Stainton (1997). Flowers of the Himalaya. Oxford University Press, New Delhi, India.

Stainton, A. (1997). Flowers of the Himalaya: A Supplement. Oxford University Press, New Delhi, India.

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