ESSENCE—IJERC International | Naveen et Journal al . (2018) for Environmental| IX (1): 134—141 Rehabilitati on and Conservation ISSN: 0975 — 6272 IX (1): 134— 141 www.essence-journal.com

Original Research Article Cheura () as a livelihood option for forest-dweller tribe (Van-Raji) of Pithoragarh, ,

Joshi, Naveen Chandra; Chaudhary, Alka and Rawat, Gopal Singh

Wildlife Institute of India, Chandrabani, Dehradun, India

Corresponding Author: [email protected]

A R T I C L E I N F O Received: 01 February 2018 | Accepted: 22 April 2018 | Published Online: 15 August 2018 DOI: 10.31786/09756272.18.9.1.116 EOI: 10.11208/essence.18.9.1.116 Article is an Open Access Publication. This work is licensed under Attribution-Non Commercial 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ ) ©The Authors (2018). Publishing Rights @ MANU—ICMANU & ESSENCE—IJERC.

A B S T R A C T

This study documents the traditional uses of Cheura or Chyur (Diploknema butyracea) by a tribal group (Van-Raji) in Eastern Uttarakhand part of western Himalayan region. Cheura is one of the eco- nomically important but lesser known and underutilized of Himalaya. It has a great spiritual and cultural importance along with livelihood association along the Himalayan communities especially the Van-Rajis, which are among the most ancient primitive vulnerable tribes (PVTs) of In- dia with a population of around 700 in Uttarakhand. Field surveys were conducted during 2015–2017 to collect data on the availability and uses of various parts of this tree by the tribals in their 9 hamlets in Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand. These tribals use almost all the parts of the tree and has a great economic value in respect of food, fuel wood, timber, fodder and other products. It is also used to cure many diseases and body disorders by the community people such as in inflammation of tonsils, rheu- matism, itching, ulcers, hemorrhage, etc. All such uses are discussed. An attempt has also been made to document the current causes of habitat loss of this socio-economic important tree and traditional knowledge thereof along with a suggested action plan.

K E Y W O R D S Himalaya | Livelihood | Tribal | Traditional knowledge | Habitat loss | Action plan

C I T A T I O N Joshi, Naveen Chandra; Chaudhary, Alka and Rawat, Gopal Singh (2018): Cheura (Diploknema bu- tyracea) as a livelihood option for forest-dweller tribe (Van-Raji) of Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand, India. ESSENCE Int. J. Env. Rehab. Conserv. IX (1): 134—141. https://doi.org/10.31786/09756272.18.9.1.116 https://eoi.citefactor.org/10.11208/essence.18.9.1.116

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Introduction edible), , gur (jaggery), fodder for ani- Himalayan region which occupies only 15 per- mals, hard and durable timber, medicines and cent of the country’s geographical area, ac- pesticides apart from its role in soil and water counts for about 30 percent of the endemic spe- conservation. cies found in the Indian sub-continent [1]. Due Besides being such an important tree it is facing a to wide altitudinal range Himalaya has always great habitat loss in the study area due to many been the best source of medicinal and factors including eroding traditional knowledge. most of the medicinal plants used in Indian tra- We attempt to document the various uses of this ditional system of medicine are found in Hima- tree as done by the local communities of the study laya. According to an estimate among the 1600 area along with the identification of various rea- species of medicinal plants used in India [2], sons for its habitat loss in the study area. more than 50% species come from the Himala- Material and Methodology yan region [3]. The state of Uttarakhand which The current study was carried out in all the nine is situated in western Himalaya, is bestowed hamlets of Van-Rajis and surrounding commu- with a rich array of forest resources, especially nities in Dharchula, Didihat and Kanalichina medicinal and aromatic plants and this region blocks of Pithoragarh district in Uttarakhand holds most medicinal plants in comparison to state of India. Van-Raji is an ethnic minority other parts of India [4]. Many plants and trees tribe of western Himalaya and known to be the have a wide range of uses. This kind of flora are descendants of Kirats. They were forest dwellers economically and socio-cultural important for and hunter and gatherers living in caves till few the local people and such trees are known as decades back and now they reside in permanent “Kalpavriksha” in ancient literature. According settlements (9 hamlets) in Dharchula, Kana- to Hindu mythology and the Vedic scriptures lichina and Didhat blocks of Pithoragarh district "Kalpavriksha" is a divine tree which fulfills all and one in Champawat district of Uttarakhand the wishes. In new era many trees which are state. They are rich of traditional ecological knowledge especially pertaining to wild flora and fauna which has helped them through gen- erations to sustain in deep forests (Fig. 1). Distribution of Cheura tree The Indian butter tree (Diploknema butyracea) also known by synonyms butyracea (Roxb.); butyracea (Roxb.) Macbride; Illipe butyracea (Roxb.) Engl.; Aesandra bu- very useful and almost all the parts are useful tyracea (Roxb.) Baehni; Vidoricum butyraceum are quoted as "Kalpvriksha" such as Cheura (Roxb.) Kuntze and Mixandra butyracea (Roxb.) (Diploknema butyracea), Shami (Prosopis ciner- Pierre ex L. Planch, is a deciduous tree about 15 aria), Parijata (Erythrina variegata), Bargad -20 m high and is commonly known as Chyur or (Ficus benghalensis), (Cocos Cheura, Phulwara (Phalwara), Phulwaor Phulel nucifera), Mahua (Madhuca longifolia), and in Northern parts of India, Chyuri in , mulberry (Morus nigra). Yika Shing in and Gophal in . Among these Cheura (Diploknema butyracea) is Distributed naturally throughout the forest of the only native to Himalaya. It has medicinal lower Himalaya between an altitude ranges of and economic importance to various ethnic com- 300 – 1500 m1. Tree attains a height of 15 m munities in western Himalaya with many uses of and girth 1.8 m, fruits are , 1-3 seeded its different parts. It is a rich source of many and contain about 2.0 cm long almond shaped useful substances like oil (edible and non- kernel.

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Fig. 1: Location of Raji settlements in Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand.

136 ESSENCE—IJERC | Naveen et al . (2018) | IX (1): 134—141 Cheura is native to the sub-Himalayan tracts of (Ghee or butter) is extracted from the seeds India, , Nepal and Bhutan (Brandis 1906) which is known as Cheura ghee or butter. It pro- and has been reported by almost whole range of duces oil seeds, rich in oil contents which at Himalaya and grows mainly in the sub- lower temperature transforms into fat and looks Himalayan tracts on steep slopes, narrow shady like butter or ghee which has a great nutritional valleys or gorges and cliffs at an altitude rang- and medicinal value. Some of the main uses of ing from 300 to 1500 meters [5] [6]. The popu- the tree as done by the study community are as lation of this species in Uttarakhand is almost follows: localized in Pithoragarh district particularly the Seeds areas bordering Nepal and adjoining areas of Seeds which are brown in color are the most im- Almora, Bageshwar and Champawat [7]. Thus portant part of this tree, as the seeds are used to the current study was made in Pithoragarh dis- extract fatty acid oil locally known as "Cheura trict of Uttarakhand state of India situated in ghee" which is a dense white colored substance Western Indian Himalaya Region (IHR). used as as well as for lightening the Field survey and data collection lamps. The yield of vegetable oil is 42-47% of the Field visits were carried out in different phases weight of seeds [8]. The processing was earlier from October 2015– December 2017. Prior in- done at community level but now is undertaken at formed verbal consent was taken before data the individual household level. The oil thus ob- collection by explain the aim of the study to the tained is also used for making chocolate, soap and respondents. Data was collected from primary candles. This oil is also used by the surrounding sources through interactions, interviews and communities to cure many diseases and is consid- focus group discussions with value chain actors, ered good for many body disorders such as to re- and through secondary sources (review of past lieve headache, rheumatic pains, ulcers, itching, reports). A total of 108 respondents were inter- hemorrhage, inflammation of tonsils etc. It is also viewed and 8 group discussions were con- applied on chapped hands and feet in winter. The ducted. Rapid rural appraisal (RRA) was used to oilcakes made out of the residual byproduct left gather, confirm, and validate ethnobotanical after the extraction of Ghee and is equally impor- information. An attempt was also made to docu- tant, as these are used as manure having pesticide ment the efforts needed for the conservation of properties and also as fish poison used in fishing this medicinally and economic important tree as fishing has become one of their major source along with the view of local community towards of income now. The residual substance is used as the habitat loss of this important tree. leech repellent and the local people rub its paste The questions were based on the uses of various on their legs in the rainy season to repel the leech. parts of the tree. A reconnaissance survey was As these oilcakes are considered toxic, these are carried out first in the local markets nearby to not used as mulch for animals after detoxification. the patches of the Indian butter tree in order to Fruit know about the use value of Cheura in the local Fruits are the other most important part of this communities. On the basis of this survey a de- tree. The fruit is , oval in shape with three tailed survey was carried out in the local vil- seeds. The pericarp contains thick and soft pulp, lages. which is sweet in taste and being used for making Result gur (jaggary) by crushing it and drying by boiling Uses in conventional method. The gur is reported tasty The Cheura tree is used in many ways by the and sold in local market at remunerative prices. local community people in the study area. This The residuals are used as animal feed by mixing it is a tree of whose almost all the parts are used with fodder. The fruit pulp is also edible and for some purpose. The main product of this tree

137 ESSENCE—IJERC | Naveen et al . (2018) | IX (1): 134—141 widely eaten by the native villagers and also by tional use especially during famine. The Cheura many birds, flies and wild animals. The pulp juice honey is used in treatment of Diabetes and is considered to keep the body warm and it is gen- Asthma. The flowers are also used as a source of erally prohibited during diarrhea, coughing and alcohol. The flowering in it occurs from October- stomach-ache. November onwards and it fruits in July-August. Leafs The inflorescence of Cheura are colored and rich The Leaves of Cheura are thinly coriaceous, in sugar which are traditionally considered good obovate, alternate and usually clustered at apex for foraging of various pollinators including bees, of branchlets. The green leaves of Cheura are birds and bats. The honey produced by the hon- available during the dry months of the year and eybees after foraging on Cheura flowers is sold are thus preferred by the cattles to feed on. These as Cheura honey by the natives at good cost thus being a good source of income. The nectar from the flowers is also harvested directly to produce a jaggery which is highly prized in Uttarakhand [9]. The nectar obtained by Cheura flowers is considered of great medicinal as well as nutri- tional use especially during famine. The Cheura honey is used in treatment of Diabetes and Asthma. The flowers are also used as a source of alcohol. leaves are even traditionally considered good for The roots are used as a tonic. The roots are lactating cattles. Besides being a good source of cleaned and messed and dipped in water and kept fodder for animals the leaves of Cheura are also for whole night or day and thereafter the juice used for making Dona or Thali (a plate made up thus prepared is taken as a tonic. of leafs for food) in various rituals and customs in Bark Hindu culture by the natives of Uttarakhand. The According to the elders of the community the plates thus prepared are considered sacred and are bark of Cheura was widely used in dyeing (is rich also used as plates for devoting edibles and other in ) in earlier days but this practice has materials to the deities. The wild animals like ma- been discontinued now due to availability of caque species and langurs also love to feed on the many other synthetic dyes available in the mar- leaves of this tree. ket. Flowers Wood The flowering in it occurs from October Noveber The Cheura tree may be 20-30m in height. Stems onwards and it fruits in July-August. The inflo- are used for fulfilling the demands of wood as rescence of Cheura are colored and rich in sugar fuel and timber. The branches are used for fuel which are traditionally considered good for for- wood whereas, the trunk is used for timber. The aging of various pollinators including bees, birds wood of Cheura is considered best for fuelwood and bats. The honey produced by the honeybees as it contains which does not allow it to after foraging on Cheura flowers is sold as extinguish fast and even gives less smoke on Cheura honey by the natives at good cost thus burning as compared to other fuelwoods. Al- being a good source of income. The nectar from though the wood of this tree is not considered the flowers is also harvested directly to produce a very hard and durable still is used for making jaggery which is highly prized in Uttarakhand furniture and other items. The use of wood for [9]. The nectar obtained by Cheura flowers is making storage bins have also been reported [10]. considered of great medicinal as well as nutri-

138 ESSENCE—IJERC | Naveen et al . (2018) | IX (1): 134—141 Uttarakhand (Champawat, Pithoragarh and Al- The resin of the tree is used as an ointment for mora) in India and three districts (Darchula, Bai- healing cuts and wounds by some tribal people tadi and Dadeldhura) of Nepal bordering India. like Van-Rajis in Dharchula block of Pithoragarh. Thus an urgent attention is required to save the Causes of Habitat Loss habitat of this species so that habitat loss could be On the basis of the reconnaissance survey and minimized. Along with it identification of poten- field observations we can conclude that there are tial areas for habitat restoration also become im- various threats which are responsible for the de- portant so that plantation programs for this spe- cline in the distribution and abundance of the cies could be carried out in these areas and this Cheura tree among which the major threats are species could be conserved in western Himalaya. mentioned in following points. Challenges And Opportunities Degradation of traditional knowledge The yielding such as D. butyracea suits The production of Cheura ghee was so popular in to different edaphic climatic conditions and thus earlier days that it was processed at a community does not compete with the traditional crops [12]. level but now due to degradation of traditional These can be grown in degraded or infertile lands knowledge it is undertaken at the individual since these are hard, tolerant species that can face household level consequently causing lack in the the climactic up and downs of local hill ecology. general awareness about the tree and low efforts Forests have the potential to improve the liveli- for conservation and preservation of this species. hood of forest dwelling people, particularly tribal Lack of conservation efforts people, who are among the most disadvantaged Lack of efforts for conservation and preservation group in Indian society [7] and this species can be of this species by the policy makers and imple- used as a tool to strengthen the economic condi- menters is also one major factor behind the low tion of the deprived communities by utilizing their habitat area of this species. traditional knowledge for their empowerment. High extraction rate The potential use of Cheura products in different Having such a great economic and medicinal fields such as pharmaceuticals, vegetable ghee value, Cheura is facing threat as the exploitation production, confectionary, soap making and can- levels have reached all-time high, because of re- dle manufacturing provides an opportunity to gen- lentless anthropogenic pressure [11]. erate employment and a way forward to sustain- Anthropogenic activities able development. As the distribution of this species in western Hi- Suggestive action plan malaya is limited to Pithoragarh district particu- i. All the existing pockets of Cheura grown lo- larly the areas bordering Nepal and adjoining ar- calities and traditional uses in local communi- eas of Almora, Bageshwar and Champawat, the ties are required to be identified, documented, rapid developmental process in this area including mapped and promoted. construction of roads and dams are also major ii. Detailed analysis of the habitat distribution threats to this plant species. As for example the and immediate threats to the habitat of the largest proposed hydropower project in South Cheura tree are to be identified in the study Asia, the 6720 MW bi-national Pancheshwar pro- area and suitable agro-climatic locations ject to be jointly constructed by India and Nepal should be identified throughout the Himala- on Mahakali river (the border between these two yan sub-tropical region so that this tree could countries) and the total submergence area is be conserved in its natural habitat. 11,600 ha (India - 7,600 ha and Nepal - 4,000 ha.) iii. Proper in-situ and ex-situ conservation strate- is going to completely destruct the current and gies and propagation techniques such as tissue potential habitats of the species in western Hima- culture are urgently needed and nurseries laya. This dam is going to affect three districts of

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should be set-up at best suitable habitats trees like D. butyracea, thus, become very impor- throughout the Himalayan region. tant and must be included in the afforestation pro- iii. After identification of suitable habitats for grams in Himalayan region as it can be grown in this tree the promotion of Cheura plantation the ravines of hills. The tree suits to different ed- and its application may be done in waste apho-climatic conditions and thus does not com- lands/panchayat lands in the rural areas by pete with the traditional crops. Plantation of 250 involving the State Forest Departments and Cheura trees ha-1 can yield about 3.0-9.5 tons of local communities throughout the Himalayan green fodder after 14-16 years whereas, the an- region and in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. nual income from oil and other by-products was iv. The plantation of Cheura may be included in estimated above Rupees One Lakh per ha-1year-1 the working plan of the State Forest Depart- which can be helpful for the economic uplifting of ments of Himalayan states. The plantation can the village community [15] and farmers. While also be promoted under the Agro-forestry conducting Environment Impact Analysis (EIA) schemes. for developmental projects such species should be v. NGOs should be promoted to work for the restored before clearance and plantation should be conservation and preservation of this impor- included in action plan of state Forest Depart- tant tree and also for new plantation and use ments in Himalayan region. of produce of Cheura. Acknowledgment vi. The habitat of this tree should be included in The authors are grateful to the Department of Sci- the EIA plan of the proposed Pancheshwar ence & Technology (DST), Govt. of India for Hydropower Project and adequate plantation funding the research project on Traditional should be done before damaging the natural knowledge system in Himalaya and to the School habitat of the tree in the study area. of Environmental Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru Conclusion University, New Delhi for providing an opportu- The potential use of Cheura products is found in nity to work as a collaborative partner of Task different fields such as confectionary, vegetable Force-5 under NMSHE project. We are also ghee production, candle manufacturing, pharma- thankful to the local communities of the study ceuticals, and soap making. area for their help, support and cooperation during Traditional knowledge can play an important role the study. in sustainable development and climate change References adaptation strategy. Recent global challenges such Nautiyal, S.; Maikhuri, R. K.; Semwal, R. and as food security, land degradation, genetic diver- Rao, K. (1998): "Conservation Through Cul- sity loss and rapid climate change makes it neces- tivation: A Case Study of Medicinal Plants in sary to focus on plantation of plant species having Buffer Zone Villages of NDBR," in Research importance for other functions other than timber for Mountain Development: Some Initiatives yield. Indigenous people have vast traditional and Accomplishments, Nainital, Gyanodaya knowledge about the uses of various plant re- Prakashan, 357. sources and they have been following the prac- Uniyal, S.; Awasthi, A. and Rawat, G. S.(2002): tices for adaptation since time immortal. The pro- "Current status and distribution of commer- grammes involving indigenous species and com- cially exploited medicinal and aromatic plants munities have become important in the last dec- in upper Gori valley, Kumaun Himalaya, ades [13]. However, species selection still re- Uttaranchal," Curr. Sci., 82(10):1246-1252. mained as ignored aspect in these programmes Adhikari, B.; Babu, M.; Saklani, P. and Rawat, G. due to limited information on indigenous species S. (2003): "Medicinal tree of Uttaranchal [14]. In this condition species which are lesser- State: Distribution, use pattern and prospects known, economically important and underutilized for conservation," Indian Forester, 129(2):243

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