Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
RESOURCE ASSESSMENT OF ALLO (Girardinia diversifolia) IN
SELECTED VDCs OF ROLPA DISTRICT
Submitted to
DISTRICT FOREST OFFICE, ROLPA
Submitted by
DIPESH PYAKUREL & ARJUN CHAPAGAIN
JULY 2011
a
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
We would like to acknowledge Mr Rajendra Niroula, District Forest Officer Rolpa, for coordination,
facilitation and conceptualising the scope of study. We are thankful to Accountant Mr. Giri Raj
Lamichhane; Rangers Ganesh Aiedi and Chandra Barmi, and other staffs of District Forest Office,
Rolpa for their support and cooperation to carry out this work.
We are grateful to Western Uplands Poverty Alleviation Project for the financial support.
We acknowledge Mr Dev Bahadur Mahara, trainer of Allow thread for providing us the information
on different aspects of Allo related enterprises.
We would also like to thank Mr Dal Bahadur Mahara, Liwang Range Post; Mr Begam KC, Sulichaur
Range Post; and Mr Man Prasad Budha of Gharitgaun Range Post for assisting us in field trip.
Lastly, we would like to thank residents of seven VDCs who supported us during the field work.
Dipesh Pyakurel
Arjun Chapagain
b
ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS
cm centimetre
DFO District Forest Office, Rolpa
DoF Department of Forests
GPS Global Positioning System
ha Hectare
m meter
MoFSC Ministry of Forest and Soil Conservation
NGOs Non Governmental Organizations
NTFPs Non Timber Forest Products
VDCs Village Development Committees
WUPAP Western Uplands Poverty Alleviation Project
c
Contents ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ....................................................................................................................... a
ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS .................................................................................................... b
PART ONE: INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................. 1
1.1 BACKGROUND ......................................................................................................................... 1
1.2 OBJECTIVES .............................................................................................................................. 1
1.3 LIMITATIONS............................................................................................................................ 2
PART TWO: STUDY AREA .................................................................................................................. 3
2.1 SELECTION OF SURVEY AREA .................................................................................................... 3
2.2 DESCRIPTION OF THE AREA ...................................................................................................... 3
2.3 Temperature and Climate ........................................................................................................ 4
PART THREE: METHODOLOGY........................................................................................................... 5
3.1 Primary Data Collection ...................................................................................................... 5
3.1.1 Key informant survey ........................................................................................................ 5
3.1.2 Resource mapping............................................................................................................. 5
3.1.3 Determination of harvestable size ..................................................................................... 6
3.2 Secondary Data Collection ....................................................................................................... 6
3.3 Data Processing and Analysis ................................................................................................... 6
3.3.1 Frequency ......................................................................................................................... 6
3.3.2 Density .............................................................................................................................. 6
3.3.3 Quantification of stock ...................................................................................................... 7
3.3.4 Sustainable harvest quantity ............................................................................................. 7
3.4 Report Writing ................................................................................................................... 7
PART FOUR: RESOURCE ASSESSMENT ............................................................................................... 8
4.1 Plant Monograph ............................................................................................................... 8
4.2 Species recorded within the Quadrat ................................................................................. 8
4.3 Frequency and Density........................................................................................................... 11
4.4 Stock Quantification............................................................................................................... 12
PART FIVE: ALLO MANAGEMENT .................................................................................................... 14
5.1 Uses ....................................................................................................................................... 14
5.2 Life cycle and growth ............................................................................................................. 14
5.3 Cultivation ............................................................................................................................. 14
5.4 Sustainable Management ...................................................................................................... 15
5.5 Value Addition ....................................................................................................................... 15
5.6 Conservation Status and Revenue .......................................................................................... 16
d
PART SIX: CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION ......................................................................... 17
6.1 Conclusion ............................................................................................................................. 17
6.2 Recommendation .................................................................................................................. 17
References: ................................................................................................................................. 18
Annex 1: Inventory Form ................................................................................................................ i
List of Tables
Table 1: Criteria for size, class determination for Allo ........................................................................ 6
Table 2: Plant species recorded within the quadrat ........................................................................... 9
Table 3: Frequency and density of Allo in surveyed VDCs ................................................................. 11
Table 4: Yield per hectare ................................................................................................................ 13
Table 5: Total potential yield of Allo in surveyed VDCs ..................................................................... 13
List of Pictures
Picture 1: Map showing surveyed VDCs of Rolpa district .................................................................... 3
Picture 2: Left: Habitat of Allo at Khumel; Right: Allo regenerating in natural habitat at Liwang-8 ...... 4
Picture 3: Temperature and Rainfall graph of Rolpa district
(http://www.worldweatheronline.com/weather-averages.aspx?q=RPA) ................................... 4
Picture 4: Girardinia diversifolia: Left-Seedling; Middle- Mature plants in a cluster, and Right-A single
mature plant ............................................................................................................................. 8
Picture 5: Density of Allo in survey area ........................................................................................... 12
Picture 6: Weighing the fresh bark in the field ................................................................................. 12
1
PART ONE: INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background
Non Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) refer to all biological resources other than wood that may be
extracted from natural ecosystems, managed plantations etc and can be utilized within the
household, be marketed, or have social, cultural or religious significance (Wickens 1991). Trade of
NTFPs is an important aspect of local culture in hilly regions and mountain districts of Nepal. NTFPs
sub-sector in Nepal contributes about 5% of national Gross Domestic Production out of total
estimation of about 15% from the whole forestry sector (Olsen and Helles, 1997).
Collection and trade of Non Timber Forest Products (NTFP) support significantly to the economy of
many people in Rolpa district. Rolpa is a repository of valuable NTFPs like Daphne bholua, Daphne
papyracea, Valeriana jatamansii, Girardinia diversifolia, Zanthoxylum armatum, Swertia chirayita
etc. For centuries, wild collection of NTFPs has been possible without major negative effects. But in
the recent years, collection for commercial purpose has threatened the survival of many valuable
species in the wild. Harvesting usually takes place before the maturation of plants and in most of the
cases, the resource is being overharvested. The practice not only hampers the regeneration of the
concerned species, but also poses threat to their long-term survival. Further, the scientific study for
the estimation of valuable NTFPs is inadequate, resulting the overharvesting of valuable NTFPs.
In this regard, District Forest Office Rolpa, in coordination with Western Uplands Poverty Alleviation
Project (WUPAP) has planned to conduct resource assessment of potential NTFPs of the region. As a
part of this approach, DFO Rolpa wished to carry out the resource assessment of Allo (Girardinia
diversifolia) in selected VDcs of Rolpa district to harmonise the commercial utilization and
conservation in the wild. Allo (locally known as Puwa "पुवा") is one of the major NTFPs of mid-hill
region of Nepal. Threads and fabrics made from Allo is one of the important NTFPs products of
Nepal. The stem bark of Allo contains fibres with unique strength, smoothness and silk-like lustre.
The fibre is used to make clothing since times immemorial. The fibre, thread and woven clothes are
commercially traded in a few districts of Nepal, including Rolpa district.
Resource assessment is an essential component of an adaptive management process and includes
distribution, identification of its population, resource inventory and total natural harvestable stock.
Resource assessment of Allo in Rolpa district is believed to create a balance between sustainable use
and conservation. This report is believed to be a baseline as well as guideline for the sustainable
utilization (quantification) of Allo for commercial Allo based enterprises within the district.
Current resource assessment carried out in Rolpa district follow the procedures as outlined by
Leaman and Cunningham (2008).
1.2 Objectives
Major objective of the proposed work was to carry out resource assessment of Allo (Girardinia
diversifolia). Specific objectives were:
To identify the pocket area of Allo in surveyed VDCs.
To estimate population of Allo within the surveyed VDCs.
To estimate quantity of Allo that can be harvested yearly on a sustainable basis.
2
1.3 Limitations
A systematic sampling method was applied but in few places, the horizontal and vertical transects
were deviated because of the inaccessible slopes.
Study time was before the monsoon but early rain throughout the country in 2011 causes the delay
in field survey in few places.
Soil type was not analyzed because of limited scope of the study.
3
PART TWO: STUDY AREA
2.1 Selection of Survey Area
A participatory approach was followed for the selection of the survey area. Consultation meeting
with traders, entrepreneurs and District Forest Office staffs revealed that Allo was available in
forests of more than 30 VDCs of Rolpa district. About 50.3% of the total district is covered by forests.
The study area was selected in such a way that it represents almost all the ecological regions where
Allo is naturally available. A total of seven out of 51 VDCs were selected for the study viz Liwang,
Khumel, Hwama, Ghartigaun, Jaimakasala, Seram and Uwa. Refer to Map 1 for the surveyed VDCs.
Picture 1: Map showing surveyed VDCs of Rolpa district
2.2 Description of the Area
Survey area ranged from 1210m (Hwama VDC) to 2100m (Khumel VDC) and represents Schima-
Castanopsis forest and Pinus roxburghii forest in the lower elevation while Aesculus-Juglans and
Rhododendron forest on the upper elevation. Alnus Forest was recorded in the degraded gorges.
Most of the surveyed forests are North, North-East or North-West faced helping to retain moisture
for a longer period of time, an ideal habitat for Allo.
4
Picture 2: Left: Habitat of Allo at Khumel; Right: Allo regenerating in natural habitat at Liwang-8
2.3 Temperature and Climate
Altitude of Rolpa district ranged from 701m to 3639m therefore represents tropical to sub alpine
region, resulting the wide range of climatic variation. Monsoon rain feeds the forest for about four
months. Graph given below gives the mean maximum and minimum temperature, and precipitation
days within a year in Rolpa district.
Picture 3: Temperature and Rainfall graph of Rolpa district (http://www.worldweatheronline.com/weather-averages.aspx?q=RPA)
5
PART THREE: METHODOLOGY
Current work was completed in three phase viz primary and secondary data collection, data analysis
and report writing.
3.1 Primary Data Collection
Primary data collection was done by following methods:
3.1.1 Key informant survey
Information on availability, spatial distribution and status of Allo was collected from residents of
surveyed VDCs, traders, entrepreneurs and form DFO Rolpa staffs.
3.1.2 Resource mapping
Based on the information collected from field consultations, survey was conducted in seven VDCs of
Rolpa district. Allo showed patchy distribution in the study area. A systematic sampling method was
applied for survey. Several horizontal transects were laid in fixed distance (100m vertically) and
quadrats were taken at an intervals of 200m along transect. However, quadrats in few places were
deviated from transect line due to the inaccessible slopes. Quadrat of 5m X 5m was laid for the
survey. A 1 X 1 sq m quadrat was laid for the seedlings to analyse the regeneration. Each quadrat
was marked with GPS. Seedlings/saplings and mature harvestable sized plants were individually
counted to find out the regeneration studies and current stock. Format of field data sheet is given in
annex 1. Allo plants were counted and recorded during the survey while associated species were
simply listed down to find out the vegetation type of the area.
Two stages of Allo were recorded during survey namely seedlings/saplings and mature. Bark of
harvestable/mature plants were harvested and weighed to find out the average yield per plant.
A 5 x 5 m quadrat
100 m vertical distance between two transects
200 m horizontal distance between two quadrats
Diagram: Illustration of quadrats laid
6
3.1.3 Determination of harvestable size
Seedling/sapling and harvestable size of Allo were determined as according to the following criteria:
Table 1: Criteria for size, class determination for Allo
Criteria Seedling/Sapling Harvestable size
Height Juvenile and without branching (less than 10 cm in height)-Seedlings Above 10 cm to 60 cm in height-Saplings
More than 60 cm in height, and with greenish brown coloured bark
Seedling/sapling and harvestable size Allo in the surveyed area were determined on the basis of
height and girth size. The plants that have girth of about 1.5 cm and brown coloured barks are
regarded as mature.
3.2 Secondary Data Collection
Secondary data were collected from all the possible documents, reports, articles, maps, official
records, and other published and unpublished materials from local institutions, DFO, DoF, MoFSC,
WUPAP and other I/NGOs.
3.3 Data Processing and Analysis
Data obtained from the field was processed and analyzed manually to find out frequency, density,
total stock, maximum allowable yield etc. Microsoft excel was used to carry out most of the
calculations.
3.3.1 Frequency
Frequency is the number of sampling units in which the particular species occur, thus express the
dispersion of various species in a community. It refers to the degree of dispersion in terms of
percentage occurrence (Raunkiaer, 1934; Zobel et al., 1987).
100studied quadrats ofNumber Total
occured speciesin which quadrats of No.Frequency
3.3.2 Density
Density expresses the numerical strength of the presence of species in a community. It is the
number of individuals per unit area and is expressed as number per hectare (Raunkiaer, 1934; Zobel
et al., 1987).
10000quadrat of area studiedquadrat ofnumber Total
spciesany ofplant ofnumber TotalPl/haDensity
Data obtained from Density and Frequency was the basis for analyzing present stock and assumption
of productivity.
7
3.3.3 Quantification of stock
Following steps were performed to quantify the stock of Allo in survey area. Total yield was
calculated using the formula given by Stockdale (2005).
1. The bark of mature Allo was harvested and weighted. This process was repeated for 100
times and then finally the average fresh weight of a bark from a single plant was taken.
2. All the samples were kept in separate poly bags, tagged and sun/air dried for more than 10
days. The dry weights of 100 samples were taken and finally average dry weight of a bark
of single plant was taken.
3. Density of Allo of a VDC was multiplied with fresh and dry weight of a single bark to
estimate the total potential fresh and dry weight per hectare.
4. The yield per hectare was multiplied with total available area to estimate the total
potential yield of VDC.
5. Total current stock (i.e total harvestable stock) was estimated by multiplying the density of
mature plants with fresh and dry weight of a single plant, and then multiplying with the
total available area.
3.3.4 Sustainable harvest quantity
Sustainable harvest quantity was calculated by cumulative values of density of mature plants,
availability of seedlings/saplings and quantity of harvestable part.
3.4 Report Writing
All the observations, analyzed data and several secondary source data were compiled to prepare a
resource assessment report on Allo.
8
PART FOUR: RESOURCE ASSESSMENT
Current resource assessment will attempt to find out the average yield per plant, total yield per
hectare and in the VDC, and number of seedlings/saplings per hectare.
4.1 Plant Monograph
Allo (Girardinia diversifolia), locally known as Pua "पवुा" is a robust shrub reaching up to a height of
2m or more. Leaves are stalked, alternate, dentate, palmately divided with three distinct nerves
running to three lobes. Size of mature leaf measures 10-24cm by 7-18cm. Leaf blade and stalk
contains long awl-shaped bristles and stinging hairs. Flowers are sessile and borne on axillary and
terminal branched spikes. Female spikes may reach up to 40cm long whereas male spike short but
much branched (Polunin and Stainton 1984, Manandhar 2002). Flowers are green to yellowish green
in color, flowering occurs in July-August and fruiting from September to early November.
Allo shows wide distribution on the southern belt of the Himalayas. It was recorded from Northern
Pakistan, Kashmir, NW India, Nepal, Sikkim, Bhutan, Southern and Eastern Tibet, Sri Lanka, Northern
Myanmar, China and Malaysia. It is distributed throughout Nepal at 1200-3000m in moist, forest
areas with shade or semi shade, along the gorges, streams and tributaries and on the edge of the
cultivated land. The plant prefers light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. The plant
prefers acid, neutral and basic soils (Pyakurel and Baniya 2011).
Allo is a perennial shrub (or sometimes annual) and propagates by seeds, root offshoots (new plant
arising from root of old plant) and root suckers. Plants can be dioecious or monoecious, though the
annual form is generally monoecious. Male and female parts are present in different spikes in
monoecious plant. Pollination is anemophilous (Pyakurel and Baniya 2011).
Picture 4: Girardinia diversifolia: Left-Seedling; Middle- Mature plants in a cluster, and Right-A single mature plant
4.2 Species recorded within the Quadrat
Survey was carried out within the altitudinal range of 1210m to 2100m. A total of 108 species were
represented within the quadrats in seven surveyed VDCs (Table 2).
The lower belt i.e sub tropical belt of the study area is dominated by tree species like Chilaune
(Schima wallichii), Salla (Pinus roxburghii), Utis (Alnus nepalensis), Kafal (Myrica esculenta) etc.
Ground vegetation was almost dominated by Banmara (Eupatorium adenophorum), Titepati
(Artemisia indica), Allo (Girardinia diversifolia), grasses and ferns.
9
Guras (Rhododendron arboreum), Okhar (Juglans regia), Utis (Alnus nepalensis), Banjh (Quercus
lanata) and Pangar (Aesculus indica) etc are dominant tree species of lower temperate mixed
broadleaved forest. Banmara (Eupatorium adenophorum), Viburnum erubescens, Telparo
(Sarcococca hookeriana) and Allo (Girardinia diversifolia) are the dominant ground vegetation.
Table 2: Plant species recorded within the quadrat
SN Scientific Name Local Name Family
1 Aconogonum molle Thotne Polygonaceae
2 Aesculus indica Pangar Hippocastanaceae
3 Agave americana Ketuki Agavaceae
4 Ageratum anyzoides Gandhe Compositae
5 Albizia julibrissin Siris Leguminosae
6 Anaphalis contorta Buki jhar Compositae
7 Anaphalis triplinervis Buki phul Compositae
8 Anemone rivularis Bagh paile Ranunculaceae
9 Anemone vitifolia Ranunculaceae
10 Arisaema costatum Sarpa makai Araceae
11 Arisaema flavum Chare banko Araceae
12 Arisaema tortuosum Sarpa makai Araceae
13 Artemesia indica Titepati Compositae
14 Astilbe rivularis Thulo ausadhi Saxifragaceae
15 Bauhinia purpurea Tanki Leguminosae
16 Bauhinia vahlii Bhorla Leguminosae
17 Begonia dioica Magar kanche Begoniaceae
18 Berberis aristata Chutro Berberidaceae
19 Bergenia ciliata Pakhanved Saxifragaceae
20 Bombax ceiba Simal Bombacaceae
21 Calanthe tricarinata Sunakhari Orchidaceae
22 Cannabis sativa Ganja Cannabaceae
23 Carex sp Kharuki Cyperaceae
24 Castanopsis indica Katus Fagaceae
25 Centella asiatica Ghodtapre Umbelliferae
26 Cirsium wallichii Khamvun Compositae
27 Cissampelos pareira Batul pate Menispermaceae
28 Coelogyne nitida Chandigava Orchidaceae
29 Colacasia sp Jaluka/Ban pindalu Araceae
30 Corydalis chaerophylla Okhre ghas Fumariaceae
31 Cotoneaster sp Rosaceae
32 Cythea spinulosa Rukh unyu Cytheaceae
33 Daphne papyracea Lokta Thymeliaceae
34 Datura suaveolens Solanaceae
35 Dendrobium amoenum Chandigava Orchidaceae
36 Dendrobium denduans Chandigava Orchidaceae
37 Dendrobium eriiflorum Chandigava Orchidaceae
38 Dioscorea deltoidea Ban Tarul Dioscoreaceae
39 Diploknema butyracea Chiuri Sapotaceae
10
SN Scientific Name Local Name Family
40 Drephanostachyum falcatum
Nigalo Gramineae
41 Drymeria diandra Abhijalo Caryophyllaceae
42 Engelhardia spicata Mauwa Juglandaceae
43 Equisetum debile Equicetaceae
44 Euonymus sp Celastraceae
45 Eupatorium adenophorum Banmara Compositae
46 Eurya acuminata Jhingane Theaceae
47 Fagopyrum sp Polygonaceae
48 Ficus sarmentosa Bedulo Moraceae
49 Fragaria nubicola Bhuin kafal Rosaceae
50 Girardinia diversifolia Allo Urticaceae
51 Gnaphalium affine Buki phul Compositae
52 Hedera nepalensis Kathe lahero Araliaceae
53 Hedychium ellipticum Kyamana Zingiberaceae
54 Jasminum humile Jai phul Oleaceae
55 Juglans regia Okhar Juglandaceae
56 Lyonia ovalifolia Angeri Ericaceae
57 Macaranga indica Malata Euphorbiaceae
58 Maesa chisia Bilaune Myrsinaceae
59 Mahonia napaulensis Jamanemanro Berberidaceae
60 Malaxis sp SUnakhari Orchidaceae
61 Mazus dentatus Scrophulariaceae
62 Mentha piperata Bawari Labiateae
63 Myrica esculenta kafal Myricaceae
64 Oxalis corniculata Chari amilo Oxalidaceae
65 Parmelia nepalensis Lichens Parmeliaceae
66 Peltigra polydactyla Lichens Peltigraceae
67 Persea odoratissima Kaulo Lauraceae
68 Phyllanthus niruri Khareto ghas Euphorbiaceae
69 Pilea sp Urticaceae
70 Pinus roxburghii Kote salla Pinaceae
71 Piper mullesua Chaba Piperaceae
72 Plantago erosa Isabgol Plantaginaceae
73 Polygonum sp Polygonaceae
74 Potentilla fulgens Bajradanti Rosaceae
75 Primula sp Primulaceae
76 Prunus cerasoides Painyu Rosaceae
77 Pyracantha crenulata Ghangaru Rosaceae
78 Pyrus pashia Mayal Rosaceae
79 Quercus lanata Banjh Fagaceae
80 Quercus semecarpifolia Khasru Fagaceae
81 Ranunculus sp Ranunculaceae
82 Rhododendron arboreum Guras Ericaceae
83 Rhus javanica Bhaki amilo Anacardiaceae
11
SN Scientific Name Local Name Family
84 Ribes glaciale Kembu Grossulariaceae
85 Rubus ellipticus Ainselu Rosaceae
86 Rumex crispus Halhale Polygonaceae
87 Sarcococca hookeriana Telparo Buxaceae
88 Schima wallichii Chilaune Theaceae
89 Smilax sp Kukur daino Liliaceae
90 Solanum xanthocarpum Kanthakari Solanaceae
91 Stellaria media Bihi Caryophyllaceae
92 Swertia angustifolia Bhale chiraito Gentiniaceae
93 Swertia nervosa Bhale chiraito Gentiniaceae
94 Taraxacum officinale Tuki phul Compositae
95 Thalictrum foliolosum Ranunculaceae
96 Trifolium repens Leguminosae
97 Urtica dioca Sisnu Urticaceae
98 Viburnum erubescens Sambucaceae
99 Viburnum mullaha Malo Sambucaceae
100 Zanthoxylum armatum Timur Rutaceae
101 Fern
102 Gaderi
103 Grasses
104 Jingad
105 Jusello
106 Kabu jhar
107 Sinua (Karuche)
108 Syal fosro
4.3 Frequency and Density
A total of 148 qudrats, each of 25 sq m were laid in the surveyed seven VDCs. Population parameters
like frequency and density is analysed in the table 3.
Table 3: Frequency and density of Allo in surveyed VDCs
VDC Frequency Density (plants per hectare)
Hwama 75.00 21167
Ghartigaon 81.82 18382
Khumel 50.00 11233
Uwa 73.33 7813
Liwang 87.5 7400
Seram 71.43 6515
Jaimakasala 69.23 4492
Allo was most frequent in Liwang VDC with the frequency of 87.5%, followed by 81.82% in
Ghartigaon VDC. Allo was least recorded in Khumel VDC with the frequency of 50% (i.e it was
recorded in only half of the surveyed quadrats).
12
Picture 5: Density of different stages of Allo in survey area
Similarly, density of Allo was very high in Hwama VDC with 21,167 individuals per hectare, followed
by 18,382 plants per hectare in Ghartigaon VDCs (Table 3 and Picture 5). Picture 5 shows that the
density of small Allo is far higher than that of the mature ones, showing that the plant is
regenerating very well.
4.4 Stock Quantification
A total of 100 samples of individual plant were harvested to find out the fresh weight of bark. These
samples were taken randomly from different plots. It should be noted that the survey was
completed in June, which is not appropriate for harvesting. Ideally the bark should be harvested
during September-October when the yield will be high. The average fresh weight yield of an
individual bark was 13.97 gm.
The fresh barks were dried for about 10 days until it completely dries. Then the weight of barks was
recorded. It was recorded that the bark contains high water and moisture content and therefore the
weight loss was about 90%. The average dry weight of a single bark was 1.62 gm.
Picture 6: Weighing the fresh bark in the field
Table 4 gives the potential fresh and dry weight yield per hectare of Allo in surveyed seven VDCs. It
should be noted that the density of all available Allo (both mature and seedlings/sapling) was
0.00
5000.00
10000.00
15000.00
20000.00
25000.00D
ensi
ty (i
nd
ivid
ual
s p
er h
ecta
re)
Density, Overall Density, Mature Density, Small
13
considered during the calculation. Allo will be ready to harvest in about 6-7 months time (i.e during
September October) and yield per hectare is estimated for harvesting season.
Table 4: Yield per hectare
VDC Density (pl/ha)
Fresh Weight (gm)
Yield per ha, kg fresh weight
Dry Weight (gm)
Yield per ha, kg dry weight
Hwama 21167 13.97 295.70 1.62 34.29
Ghartigaon 18382 13.97 256.80 1.62 29.78
Khumel 11233 13.97 156.93 1.62 18.20
Uwa 7813 13.97 109.15 1.62 12.66
Liwang 6900 13.97 96.39 1.62 11.18
Seram 6515 13.97 91.01 1.62 10.55
Jaimakasala 4492 13.97 62.75 1.62 7.28
Effective area of Allo availability: The effective area of Allo availability was calculated based on
following data and information:
a) Participant's information
b) Habitat and distribution
c) Forest types
d) Aspect
Allo was distributed mostly in the mid sub tropical to mid temperate forest. At the same time it
prefers moist soil. Therefore it is mostly found in the north, north east and northwest facing slopes
below the mixed broadleaved forest. It was also available in the river banks and on the gorges. Not a
single plant was recorded from open south facing slopes and in the Pinus roxburghii forest. The
forest type as published by District Forest Office Rolpa was taken as reference for the estimation of
current harvestable stock.
Table 5: Total potential yield of Allo in surveyed VDCs
VDC Effective area of Allo availability
(ha)
Yield per ha, kg fresh weight
Yield per ha, kg dry
weight
Total yield kg fresh weight
Total yield kg dry
weight
Hwama 103.3 295.70 34.29 30545.81 3542.16
Ghartigaon 225.6 256.80 29.78 57934.08 6718.37
Khumel 55.3 156.93 18.20 8678.23 1006.46
Uwa 238.7 109.15 12.66 26054.11 3021.94
Liwang 109.6 96.39 11.18 10564.34 1225.33
Seram 192.6 91.01 10.55 17528.53 2031.93
Jaimakasala 59.6 62.75 7.28 3739.90 433.89
About 6718.32 kg of dried bark can be harvested from Gharitgaon VDC. Similarly, 3542 kg of dried
bark can be harvested during October-November from Hwama VDC. Similarly, 3021 kg of dried Allo
bark can be obtained from Uwa VDC. Despite the low density in Uwa, the area of availability was
very high therefore the total yield was very high (Table 5).
14
PART FIVE: ALLO MANAGEMENT
5.1 Uses
The tender vegetative shoots and inflorescence are cooked as a vegetable. Roasted seeds are
pickled. Roots are diuretic, aperients and tonic. The ash of the plant is applied in cases of ringworm
and eczema. The root is mixed with Centella asiatica (Ghodtapre) and boiled for about 10 minutes,
strained, and the liquid—about four teaspoons twice a day—is used to treat gastric trouble. The
juice of the root—about six teaspoons twice a day—is used to treat constipation. Fresh leaf juice is
applied to treat headaches and joint aches. It is also considered to be useful in fever (DMP 1982,
Manandhar 2002). The leaves are also used as tonic for cattle and root paste is applied on swellings
(Ghimire et al. 2008b). Warm root juice is given to drunks for cooling effect in Dang (Rajbhandari
2001).
Residents of hilly areas and ethnic groups have for centuries extracted and spun the fibre to weave
durable jackets, porter headbands or straps, fishing nets, ropes, bags, mats, coarse clothing material,
and blankets. Allo is known for its strength and durability. It is often lighter and more delicate-
looking than its wild contemporaries, jute and hemp.
Each hectare of Allo yields around 600kg of fibre under cultivation. Fibre is extracted on a
commercial scale in some districts including Rolpa. Allo is traded either raw (dry bark), or semi-
processed (coarse fibre), or in processed form (cloth). Dried bark is traded anywhere between Rs.80
to 100 per kg; coarse fibre between Rs.350 to 380 per kg; and handmade cloth at Rs 350 per kg
(Pyakurel and Baniya 2011).
5.2 Life cycle and growth
G. diversifolia is a perennial shrub (or sometimes annual) and propagates by seeds, root offshoots
(new plant arising from root of old plant) and root suckers. Plants can be dioecious or monoecious,
though the annual form is generally monoecious. Male and female parts are present in different
spikes of a monoecious plant. Pollination is anemophilous (Pyakurel and Baniya 2011).
5.3 Cultivation
Allo is a fast-growing plant and is widely distributed in sub-Himalayan tracts of Nepal, which is why
little effort has been paid towards its cultivation. Despite its economic importance, it is least
preferred by farmers because of the stinging nettles. Further, farmers rarely cultivate species which
are abundant in forests. However, it can be cultivated.
The plant propagates best by seeds rather than by root offshoots. Allo can be grown on any type of
land and can therefore be sown directly in the field. The seeds collected during November to
February (Kartik-Magh) are directly sown during monsoons (Ashadh- Shrawan). Weeding is not
necessary because Allo itself grows as a weed. However, weeding for the first few weeks is
recommended. The plants can be harvested in a year. During harvesting, a few mature plants should
be left behind to facilitate seed dispersal and to promote natural regeneration. Allo is harvested by
15
cutting the stem inches above the ground. The underground root develops offshoots and gives rise
to a new plant (Pyakurel and Baniya 2011).
5.4 Sustainable Management
Premature and over-harvesting of Allo to fulfill commercial demands are the identified threats to its
sustainability. People harvest Allo immediately after the monsoons and sell (to fulfill their needs
during Dashain, the greatest festival of Hindus) without paying much attention to sustainability
issues. Forest fires, open grazing, and anthropogenic activities like clearing the forest for cultivation
are other factors affecting the plant’s sustainability in the wild.
Harvest time and technique: Allo become harvestable after fruiting between August and October
(Bhadra-Ashwin). Collectors prefer harvesting Allo during winter because the cold reduces the
stinging effect. Collected plants should be thoroughly shaken to allow seed dispersal. The plants are
cut with a knife inches above the ground and put in a doko. Forceps are used to hold the stem.
Alternatively, collectors wear gloves during harvesting to be protected from the nettles. Allo
harvested without uprooting the roots can regenerate within the next year. Further, it was also
observed that proper harvesting increases the vitality of the plant and improves the quality of fibre.
The dead outer bark is removed and the inner bark is peeled off. The dry bark is generally soaked for
a few days in water before peeling it. The harvested bark is sun-dried for few days during which
more than half its weight is lost. Moisture in the air and the bark itself may develop fungus;
therefore, care should be taken during storage. The dried bark are bundled and stored in a dry place,
before being sold to cloth manufacturers. Collectors themselves also weave the fibre sometimes.
Harvest intensity: As Allo is widely available, its harvest is often carried out without resource
inventory. But resource inventory is necessary for sustainability and maintaining a healthy
population in the wild. Collection areas are divided into at least two blocks and mature plants are
allowed to be harvested from one block every year. Ninety per cent of mature Allo can be harvested
from a block, as per the guideline published by DoF for NTFPs. Harvest quantity and collection area
needs to be altered if natural hazards like erosion or forest fires destroy the natural population.
5.5 Value Addition
Processing of Allo bark for the manufacture of fibre includes the following process:
Digesting/cooking: The dried bark is soaked in water for one to two days prior to cooking. Bigger
bark is separated by hand to make it into smaller pieces. The bark is put in a copper vessel with
boiled water and ash or Kamero and kept on boil for three to four hours. Generally, 5kg of dried bark
is boiled with 7-8kg of ash or Kamero. About 10-12 kg of firewood is required to cook 5kg of bark.
The fibre is relatively softer when boiled with Kamero. The bark is left overnight in the copper vessel
after cooking. Cooking time is reduced to two hours for freshly-collected bark.
Alternatively, an improved cooking method has been proposed and been adapted in some districts.
The bark is soaked in water with 4 per cent sodium hydroxide and 0.5 per cent sodium sulphide and
cooked for two hours. This consumes less firewood (almost 40 per cent less) and the fibre is softer
and relatively cleaner. But communities prefer to use ash because it does not callus the hand.
16
Beating and Washing: The cooked bark is cleaned in water by continuously beating it with a wooden
mallet. Cleansing requires a lot of water, which is why it is usually done in streams and tributaries. It
takes four hours to clean 5kg of bark and in turn yield 1kg of fibre. A person can wash up to 18kg of
bark in a day.
Cleansing: The washed bark is mixed with paddy husk, maize flour, or in a white clay solution and
dried in the sun for five to six hours. The process softens the fibre and brings extra whiteness. Coarse
fibre is cleansed again by repeating the earlier process. Finally, the fibre is separated manually. It
takes more than one man-day to clean a kg of fibre.
Bleaching: A mixture of 200gm calcium hypochlorite and 200gm sodium bicarbonate is poured in 20
litres of water and a kg of woven thread is kept in the solution for 24 hours. The threads are washed
until the smell of the chemicals is completely washed away. This process removes black spots and
other attached particles from the threads and turns them to a dull white colour.
Alternatively, bleaching can be done by soaking the threads in 2 per cent calcium hypochloride
solution for two hours. The threads are washed thoroughly and sulphuric acid is diluted to make a
0.005 per cent solution. The threads are soaked in this solution for another one to two hours.
For the final bleaching process, the threads are dipped for three hours in a warm (70oC) solution of
about 20 litres of hydrogen peroxide. The threads finally become white.
Spinning: Spinning is either done with a self-constructed hand spindle made of wood or with a
spinning wheel. A hand spindle is slower than the wheel but is preferred because it is light to carry
and women find it handy and suitable for spinning during their leisure time or during other activities.
It takes one man-day to weave threads for 1.5kg of fibre. The threads are either sold to
entrepreneurs, or collectors themselves weave them to make coarse clothes.
Spinning is also done with the help of sophisticated machines. Machine-woven thread is smoother
and finer. However, these machines are not readily available and most urban entrepreneurs buy
dried bark or coarse fibre from villages and spin them in the spinning industries.
Weaving: Bleached white threads are coloured using natural or chemical dyes. The threads are
sometimes mixed with cotton threads to make the fabric smoother. Two people are required to fix
the loom (weaving machine). The fitness of the yarn depends largely on the skill of the spinner and
also on the quality of the fibre. The yarn thus spun is woven on a back-strap loom.
5.6 Conservation Status and Revenue
The national and global status of G. diversifolia is not known. Its status in Nepal is not threatened
and is abundant throughout the sub-Himalayan tracts of Nepal. The bark is harvested from national
forests with the permission of District Forest Office paying Rs.5 per kg as revenue.
17
PART SIX: CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
6.1 Conclusion
In order to complement the sustainable management of Allo (Girardinia diversifolia), District Forest
Office Rolpa along with Western Uplands Poverty Alleviation Project (WUPAP) wished to carry out
the resource inventory of Allo in selected VDCs of Rolpa district. To fulfil this broad objective, the
resource inventory was carried out in seven VDCS (viz Hwama, Khumel, Liwang, Ghartigaon,
Jaimakasala, Seram and Uwa) of the district.
A total of 108 plant species was represented within the laid 148 quadrats. Systematic stratified
sampling method was adopted to find out the population parameters. Quadrat of 5m X 5m were laid
to find out the mature Allo where nested 1m X 1m quadrats were laid to find out the regenerating
ones.
Girardinia diversifolia was distributed within 1241 m (Jaimakasala) to 2064 m (Khumel) within the
study area. However 1500m to 1800m hosts highest number of Allo. North, Northeast and
Northwest slopes host most of the Allo, along with streams and river banks. Similarly, it was
predominantly found beneath the mixed broadleaved forest. It is mostly found below the forest
composed of Alnus nepalensis, Aesculus indica, Juglans regia, Schima wallichii and Rhododendron
arboreum.
Allo was most frequent in the surveyed areas of Liwang VDCs, followed by Ghartigaon. Number of
small plants (seedlings/saplings) were far higher than the mature ones, may be because of the
growing season. Density of harvestable plants would be higher had the study been conducted during
September- October. Density of Allo was higher in Hwama, followed by Gharitgaun and Khumel.
Average fresh weight yield of a single plant was 13.97 gm. Similarly the average dry weight yield
per plant was 1.62 gm. Yield per hectare was highest in Hwama (34.29kg dry weight/ha), followed
by Ghartigaun (29.78 kg dry weight/ha).
The total harvestable stock (per year) was analysed using participants information, analyzing its
habitat and life cycle. However, the major basis of quantification was the forest types prepared by
District Forest Office. The highest stock was recorded in Gharitgaon VDC with the total of 6,718.16
kg dry bark, followed by 3,542.16 kg in Hwama VDC.
6.2 Recommendation
District Forest Office Rolpa have to intensively carry out such resource inventory to quantify
the harvestable stock of traded NTFPs.
District Forest Office Rolpa needs to capacitate and train the junior field staffs to carry the
resource inventory on their own.
There might be over harvesting of Allo in few places (eg Hwama 8) and areas near the
district headquarter. District Forest Office needs to be alert and have to carry out monitoring
in the resource available sites to check and balance the harvesting of Allo.
18
References:
DMP, 1982. Wild Edible Plants of Nepal. Department of Medicinal Plants, Nepal, Bulletin No. 9. MoFSC/DMP Kathmandu, Nepal.
Ghimire S.K., Sapkota I.B., Oli B.R. and Parajuli-Rai R., 2008b. Non Timber Forest Products of Nepal Himalaya: Database of Some Important Species Found in the Mountain Protected Areas and Surrounding Regions. WWF Nepal, Kathmandu, Nepal.
Leaman D & Cunningham A.B. 2008. Resource Assessment: A Guide to Implementing Principle 1; Maintaining Wild MAP Resources. IUCN-SSC Medicinal Plant Specialist Group, ISSC-MAP.
Manandhar N.P., 2002. Plants and People of Nepal. Timber Press, Portland, Oregon.
Olsen C.S. & Helles F. 1997. Making the poorest poorer: policies, laws and trade in medicinal plants in Nepal. Journal of World Forest Resource Management. 8: 137-158.
Polunin, O. & A. Stainton 1984. Flowers of the Himalaya. Oxford University Press.
Pyakurel D. & Baniya A. 2011. NTFPs: Impetus for Conservation and Livelihood support in Nepal. A Reference Book on Ecology, Conservation, Product Development, and Economic Analysis of Selected NTFPs of Langtang area in the Sacred Himalayan Landscape. WWF Nepal.
Rajbhandari, K.R. 2001. Ethnobotany of Nepal. Ethnobotanical Society of Nepal (ESON), Kathmandu, Nepal.
Raunkair C. 1934. The life forms of Plants and Statistical plant geography. Oxford.
Stockdale M. 2005. Steps to sustainable and Community Based NTFP management: a Manual written with Special referenced to South and Southeast Asia. NTFP Exchange Programme for South and Southeast Asia. [online] URL: http://www.iapad.org/publications/ppgis/stockdale_book.pdf
Wickens G.E., 1991. Management issues for development of non-timber forest products. Unasylva, 42 (165): 3-8.
Zobel D. B., Jha P.K., Behan M. J. & Yadav, U. K. R. 1987. A Practical Manual for Ecology. Ratna Book Distributors, Kathmandu, Nepal.
i
Annex 1: Inventory Form
Quadrat No : Structural Parameters of Shrub Stratum
Date: Aspect: Latitude N VDC:
Altitude: m Slope: o Longitude E
Forest Type:
SN Scientific Name Local Name
Total (no)
Mature Young
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
