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 VDCs 13

 Abbreviations and acronyms
0
C: 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:

Total number of individuals of species" A"

Density ( pt / ha ) = x 10,000
Total number of quadrats sampled x Area of quadrats (m 2 )

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:

Total number of plots in which species" A" occured

Frequency ( F ) = x 100
Total number of plots sampled
 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 4 350
2 Pairadi LF 1000 2 500
3 Kuliban LF 400 2 200
4 Kalemelo CF 1000 2 500
5 Sajhamelo area 900 1 900
6 Bahaselo LF 2400 8 300
7 Saltang forest 2500 6 416.67
8 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

SN No. of
Spots plants No. of quadrats Density/ha.
1 Khochadhar 500 1 500
2 Kharke khola LF 400 8 50
3 Naru LF 500 2 250
4 Tig forest 1000 6 166.67
5 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 2800
2 Pairadi LF 500 6 3000
3 Kuliban LF 200 5 1000
4 Kalemelo CF 500 5 2500
5 Sajhamelo area 900 2 1800
6 Bahaselo LF 300 30 9000
7 Saltang forest 416.67 20 8333.33
8 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 0.5 250
2 Kharke khola LF 50 30 1500
3 Naru LF 250 10 2500
4 Tig forest 166.67 20 3333.33
5 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 37.50
2 Agave cantula Roxb. 100.00
3 Albizia sp 62.50
4 Artemisia indica Willd. 100.00
5 Asparagus racemosus Willd. 100.00
6 Bauhinia purpurea L. 37.50
7 Berberis asiatica Roxb. ex DC. 75.00
8 Bergenia ciliata (Haw.) Sternb. 37.50
9 Boehmeria sp 25.00
10 Boenninghausenia albiflora (Hook.) Rchb. Ex Meisn. 12.50
11 Bombax ceiba L. 37.50
12 Cassia sp 62.50
13 Cissampelos pareira L. 87.50
14 Colebrookea oppositifolia Sm. 87.50
15 Combretum sp 62.50
16 Coriaria napalensis Wall. 100.00
17 Eupatorium sp 62.50
18 Ficus oligodon Miq. 62.50
19 Ficus sp 37.50
20 Hypericum sp 75.00
21 Jatropha curcas L. 37.50
22 Juglans regia C. DC. 62.50
23 Lyonia ovalifolia (Wall.) Drude 37.50
24 Mallotus philippensis (Lam.) Mull. Arg. 62.50
25 Myrica esculenta Buch.-Ham. ex D.Don 62.50
26 Osyris wightiana Wall. ex Wight 62.50
27 Phyllanthus urinaria L. 12.50
28 Pinus roxburghii Sarg. 50.00
29 Prinsepia utilis Royle 62.50
30 Prunus cerasoides D.Don 37.50
31 Punica granatum L. 87.50
32 Pyracantha crenulata (D.Don) M. Roem. 100.00
33 Pyrus pashia Buch.-Ham. ex D.Don 100.00
34 Rhus javanica L. 62.50
35 Ribes sp 62.50
 36 Rosa sp 75.00
37 Rubus ellipticus Sm. 87.50
38 Saccharum spontaneum L. 12.50
39 Sapindus mukorossi Gaertn. 37.50
40 Sapium insigne (Royle) Benth. ex Hook. f. 100.00
41 Sclepias sp 37.50
42 Smilax sp 75.00
43 Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels 62.50
44 Toona ciliata M. Roem. 62.50
45 Urtica dioica L. 25.00
46 Verbascum thapsus L. 75.00
47 Wikstroemia canescens Meisn. 12.50
48 Woodfordia fruticosa (L.) Kurz 62.50
49 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. 100
2 Acacia sp 80
3 Agave cantula Roxb. 100
4 Bauhinia vahlii Wight & Arn. 80
5 Berberis asiatica Roxb. ex DC. 80
6 Cassia tora L. 20
7 Cissampelos pareira L. 80
8 Coriaria napalensis Wall. 80
9 Diploknema butyracea (Roxb.) H.J. Lam 80
10 Euphorbia royleana Boiss. 80
11 Jatropha curcas L. 20
12 Lantana camara L. 100
13 Mallotus philippensis (Lam.) Mull. Arg. 100
14 Pinus roxburghii Sarg. 80
15 Punica granatum L. 80
16 Pyrus pashia Buch.-Ham. ex D.Don 80
17 Rubus ellipticus Sm. 80
18 Sapium insigne (Royle) Benth. ex Hook. f. 100
19 Thysanolaena maxima (Roxb.) Kuntze 80
20 Woodfordia fruticosa (L.) Kurz 100
21 Xeromphis spinosa (Thunb.) Keay 80
22 Zanthoxylum nepalense Babu 80
Similarly, 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 Modality of enterprise

development

1 Rittha (Sapindus Cultivation in the marginal lands Proprietorship/household

mukorossi) and trading of fruits level

2 Seeds of Chiuri Edible oil/ghee expelling Proprietorship/household

(Diploknema level
butyracea)

3 Ban phanda Bio briquette making from Proprietorship/household

(Lantana camara) hardwood level

4 Ketuki (Agave Fiber processing and weaving Proprietorship/household

cantula) sitting mat/mattress 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.
REFERENCES

• ANSAB (2003). Commercially Important Non Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) of

Nepal. Asia Network for Sustainable Agriculture and Bioresources, Kathmandu,
Nepal.
• HMG (1970). Medicinal Plants of Nepal. HMG/N, Department of Medicinal Plants,
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