banko jankari.indd 24 1 Department of Forest Research and Survey, Kathmandu. Email: deepak_kharal@yahoo.com 2 Mid-Western Regional Directorate of Forest, Surkhet, Nepal 3 District Forest Offi ce, Dang, Nepal Distribution and availability of raw materials for production of Nepali handmade paper from Daphne species in Darchula district, Nepal D. K. Kharal1, B. N. Oli2 and I. Poudel3 The study, conducted in 2005 in Darchula district of the far western region of Nepal, aimed at assessing the distribution of Lokta plants (Daphne species) and the sustainable availability of their bark as a raw material for Nepali handmade paper. Stratifi ed random sampling design was adopted for collecting primary data from 340 circular shaped sample plots. The study revealed asymmetric distribution and production of Lokta in different Range post areas of Darchula district. While the tree diameter at 30 cm from base (D30) varied from 1 to 18 cm, the maximum tree height varied from 2.1 to 6 m. On the basis of diameter class, about 87 % of the bark weight was found to be of exploitable category. For the entire district of Darchula, the annual yield of Lokta bark for six years rotation amounted only to about two-third of the four years rotation. The study concludes that the stock of Lokta bark that prevails in the district can sustain promotion of Nepali paper production enterprises. Key words: Annual yield, Non Timber Forest Product, rotation, Range post, sustainable production Non Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) have a pivotal role in the rural as well as national economic development of Nepal (MPFS, 1989; MoFSC, 2004; NPC, 2010). In the country, approximately 10.13 thousand tons of NTFPs was extracted contributing to revenue of NRs. 67.38 million in the Fiscal Year 2002/03 alone (DoF, 2004). Lokta (Daphne bholua and D. papyracea) constitute one of the principal species among the limited NTFPs identifi ed and traded in Nepal. The species has also been identifi ed by the Master Plan for the Forestry Sector (MPFS) as one of the seven minor forest products available in the country (MPFS, 1989). The distribution of Daphne bholua extends from Uttar Pradesh in India, through Nepal, southern Tibet, northern Assam, Bengal, Sikkim and Bhutan to south-west China. It occurs between 1800 to 3600 m, and occasionally extends up to 4000 m. Similarly, the distribution of D. papyracea which extends from Pakistan to central Nepal occurs between 1600 m and 2500 m, and occasionally extends up to 3000 m (Jackson, 1987). In Nepal, Lokta is mainly used on a cottage industry scale for manufacturing handmade papers. Harvesting of Lokta bark and manufacturing of local paper both provide opportunities for creating local employment, thereby, providing potentials for generating income to sustain livelihoods of the local people. Realizing these facts, both the government and non-government sectors in Nepal have long been pursuing to promote the sustainable management of Lokta resources in the country. Resource assessment is one of the important components of all sustainable management endeavours (FAO, 2010). The assessment provides clues for careful management of natural resources which is highly needed for preventing the resources being exhausted from over-exploitation. Haphazard practices of using resources without carrying out proper resource inventory only lead to exhaustion of such resources. This has happened with the Lokta resources of Nepal, which have been exploited heavily without carrying out any resource inventories in the past. Without assessing the growing stock, growth and yield patterns, 25  Lokta plants, were exploited heavily only to fi nd latter that no more raw materials are available for sustainable operation of paper factories. In Nepal, many paper factories had to be closed due to the scarcity of Lokta barks which are primarily used as raw materials for the paper factories (ANSAB, 2004). At present, only a few literatures on Lokta resource assessment and management are available (Pokharel, 1989; FRD, 1991; Jeanrenaud and Thompson, 1986). Moreover, most of such literatures remain case specifi c, focusing only on the matters of resource assessment and the methodologies. Lokta resources exist in 24 of the total 41 Village Development Committees (VDCs) of Darchula district. The Lokta containing 24 VDCs (including community forests) lie in the northern and eastern parts of the district. Despite their great potential for generating income and employment, no resource assessment work has yet been carried out for Lokta resources in Darchula district. A study on distribution and availability of Lokta plant (Daphne spp.) in the district has thus become an imperative. The study primarily aimed at assessing the distribution of Daphne species in Darchula district and sustainable availability of their bark as a raw material for Nepali handmade paper. Since the Range posts are the basic unit of forest management and administration, the study was focused in assessing the resources existed within the Range post boundaries. It is anticipated that the study will provide meaningful guidance for sustainable and wise use of Lokta resources for production of Nepali handmade paper enterprises in the district. This will help enhance local as well as the national economy of the country through creation of increasing income generation opportunities for the local population. Materials and methods Study site Darchula district is located in the far western development region of Nepal. It covers an area of 2329.6 km2 with wide range of altitudinal variation ranging from 357 to 7132 masl (MPRC, 2011). The district headquarter is situated in North 290 51' latitude and East 800 34' longitude. The district enjoys subtropical climate in the south to alpine and tundra in the northern belt. The topographic conditions vary from Mid mountain in the south and middle part and to High Himalayas in the north. Of the total forest cover of 79,538 ha of the district, 20, 064 ha have already been handed over to 226 Community Forest User Groups (CFUGs) (DFO Darchula, 2005). The district comprises eight Range posts. However the study area encompasses only six of them: Dethala, Joljibi, Khalanga, Khandeshwari, Khar and Rapla. Sampling design Stratifi ed random sampling technique was used to collect information on distribution of Lokta plant as well as on availability of bark materials for Nepali handmade paper in the district. Qualitative categories of Lokta plants were considered as strata for the resources survey. Based on area proportion, the total numbers of sample plots were distributed in each stratum of the Lokta forest. Using participatory process, high density, medium density and low density strata of Lokta distribution areas were traced out in the topographic map of the district. Like in Baglung Lokta Inventory (Mathema, 1990), circular plots of 25 m2 of 2.82 m radius were taken as sample plots for the measurement purposes. The fi rst plot was laid out where the Lokta plant fi rst appeared. The subsequent plots were established at 1800 south at an interval of 100 m in each stratum. Isolated patches and blocks of Lokta plant were considered while allocating the sample plots. Altogether, 340 sample plots were laid out in all study area and allocated them in different strata based on proportion to area principle. Plot measurement The measurement was carried out in 2005. Lokta plants smaller than 30 cm in height were considered as seedlings and as such, were only counted, without measuring. However, Lokta plants greater than 1 m in height were measured at diameter: 30 cm from the base (d30); for bark biomass estimation. The height of the plants and D30 were measured to precisions of ± 0.1 m and to ± 0.1 cm respectively. Randomly selected 20 26   plots were measured for bark biomass estimation. Out of 6 Range posts; 2 plots from Dethala, 1 from Joljibi, 6 from Khalanga, 3 from Khar and 8 from Rapla were taken for bark biomass assessment. The number of stems and bark weight per plot were estimated at fi rst, and later, average fi gures were derived at per hectare level. Lokta plants greater than 3 cm D30 were included for the harvestable Lokta biomass estimation. Green weight of the bark was used to estimate the Lokta biomass. Data analysis At fi rst, the compiled data were analyzed at plot level using the MS Excel software. Later on, per hectare fi gures were estimated using appropriate conversion. Results and discussion Stem distribution and density of Lokta plant Although, the participatory resource mapping phase had identifi ed 7 Range posts and 24 VDCs as Lokta distribution areas, the sample survey during the fi eld work could cover the data from 6 Range posts and 16 VDCs only. Stem distribution of Lokta in the studied Range posts is presented in table 1. The average number of stems per hectare was higher in Khar Range post and lower in Dethala. However, the total number of stems was found highest in Khandeswari Range post and lowest in Joljibi. Table 1: Stem distribution by Range posts Stem density of Lokta by Range post was found to be signifi cantly different at 5 % signifi cance level (p = 2.13-06; df = 5). The total number of stems in the studied areas was more than 12 million. Stem distribution by diameter classes in Range post In the study area, the diameter of the Lokta plants ranged from 1 cm to 18 cm with about 5.1 cm mean value. Distribution of Lokta plant was divided into four diameter classes: < 2 cm, 2 - 4 cm, 4 - 6 cm and > 6 cm. Stem densities greatly varied in different diameter classes. Stem density of < 2 cm diameter was found as less as only about 10 % of the total stems density. Whereas, stem density of diameter classes between 2 - 4 and 4 - 6 cm were found almost equal representing about 31 % of the total density by each one. Table 2 depicts the stem density distribution by Range post and different diameter classes in the study area. Table 2 clearly indicates that the Lokta distribution was highly dominated by bigger size diameter plants. There is a signifi cant difference in the average density of Lokta by diameter classes (α= 0.05, p = 2.6 -11). Table 3 presents stem distribution of Lokta plant on the basis of exploitable and non- exploitable diameter sizes. Range post Lokta distribution area ( ha) No. of Sample plot Average stems/ha Total stems in 000 unit Dethala 862.5 34 376 325 Joljibi 325.0 12 933 303 Khalanga 3475.0 85 767 2666 Khandeswori 5087.5 36 978 4974 Khar 2575.0 99 1026 2643 Rapla 2300.0 74 741 1703 Total/average 14625.0 340 826 12614 27  Table 2: Stem distribution of Lokta plant by Range post and diameter classes Range post Per hectare stem density by diameter classes Average < 2 cm 2-4 cm 4 - 6 cm 6 cm Dethala 12 176 165 24 376 Joljibi 0 400 367 167 933 Khalanga 339 395 33 0 767 Khandeswori 0 0 78 900 978 Khar 8 327 493 198 1026 Rapla 0 157 319 265 741 Average/ total 88 260 259 219 826 Table 3: Stem distribution by exploitable and non-exploitable diameter classes Range posts Distribution per ha Distribution in range post in 000 unit < = 3 cm > 3 cm < = 3 cm > 3 cm Dethala 47 329 41 284 Joljibi 133 800 43 260 Khalanga 635 132 2208 458 Khandeswari 0 978 0 4974 Khar 105 921 271 2372 Rapla 38 703 87 1616 Total/average 207 619 2649 9965 Acknowledging Mathema (1990), who has advised not to harvest Lokta plant with diameter of < 3 cm at D30, this study Considered D30 > 3 cm as exploitable size for Lokta. Per hectare stem distribution and total number of stem distribution in all the range posts covered by the study are presented in Table 3. It is evident from Table 3 that per hectare wise, Khandeswari Range post contained highest number of stems > 3 cm. Similarly, Khalanga Range post contained lowest number of stems with such sizes. Stems of exploitable size were found in maximum number in Khandeswari Range post and in minimum number in Joljibi Range post. Density wise, large sized Lokta stems (exploitable size) is highest in Khandeswari and smaller size Lokta plants are highest in Khalanga. Table 3 also shows that more than three-fourth (about 79 %) of the total stems bear exploitable sizes. Stem distribution by height classes In the past, it was a tradition to consider all stems > 2 m in height as exploitable size. However, this study has considered two categories of height: small (< 1.5 m) and tall (> 2 m). The reason for this is based on the fl owering height and the age. Lokta plants fl ower when it reaches about a height of 1.5 m in about 7 years of time (NCFP, 1994). The height category wise number of stems per hectare as well as the number of stems present in Range posts covered by the study is given in table 4. Per hectare wise, the Khar Range post has the largest and Khalanga Range post, the lowest number of taller stems. Altogether, 7.7 million taller category stems, with highest number in Khandeswari and lowest number in Joljibi Range were found in all Range posts covered by the study. 28   Table 4: Stem distribution by Range post and height classes Range posts Stems/ha Stems in Range post in 000 < = 1.5 m > 1.5 m < = 1.5 m > 1.5 m Dethala 82 294 71 254 Joljibi 367 567 119 184 Khalanga 659 108 2289 376 Khandeswori 278 700 1413 3561 Khar 162 865 416 2226 Rapla 249 492 572 1131 Average/ total 316 509 4881 7733 The number of tall size stems is relatively less than that of big size stems (table 3). The share of tall and small size stems is about 61 % and 39 % respectively. Biomass of Lokta bark The average weight of the Lokta bark by diameter classes is given in table 5. The bark weight of an average stem was found to be about 112 grams. Similarly, per hectare bark weight at district level was found to be equivalent to about 110 kg. A total of 1609 tons of Lokta bark has been estimated for the entire areas covered by the study. FSRO (1984) had estimated the Lokta bark in five development regions of the country and found out less stocking in lower elevation (5000-7500 ft) and higher stocking in upper elevation (7500 – 10000 ft). The highest stocking was about 313 kg per hectare in the upper elevation of eastern developmentregion and lowest was about 0.268 kg per hectare in lower elevation of central development region. While the growing stock of Lokta bark in the far- western development region was just about 25 kg per hectare in upper elevation and about 11 kg Table 5: Biomass stock of Lokta bark Dia. Classes Average bark biomass Total weight in District (tons) Per ha (kg) Per stem (gram) < = 2 cm 6.1 43.9 89.8 2 - 4 cm 31.6 65.8 461.9 4 - 6 cm 16.9 120.7 247.2 > 6 cm 55.4 251.8 810.2 Average/total 110.0 112.3 1609.0 in lower elevation. But the study had remarked in its fi nding that per hectare fi gure may not be applicable for small areas due to very broad nature of survey. About half of the total bark from a randomly selected Lokta distribution area comes from > 6 cm diameter class. Around 30 % of the bark may come from 2- 4 cm diameter class followed by 4- 6 cm diameter class and < 2 cm diameter class. There is highly signifi cant difference in the mean per hectare bark biomass of different diameter classes in the district (α = 0.05, p = 7.8-6). Exploitable bark biomass It would be convenient for managers if the total Lokta bark is separated into exploitable and non- exploitable categories. Lokta stems with more than 3 cm were considered as exploitable size in this study. In the earlier practices, the stems with more than 2 m in height were considered as exploitable size (FS, 1983). The exploitable and non-exploitable bark biomass of Lokta plant in all studied Range posts is given in table 6. 29  Table 6: Bark biomass of Lokta plant by stem sizes Range post Area (ha) Bark biomass (tons) Total bark biomass (tons) Non exploitable size Exploitable size Dethala 862.5 17.5 77.4 94.9 Joljibi 325.0 6.6 29.2 35.8 Khalanga 3475.0 70.4 311.9 382.3 Khandeswari 5087.5 103.1 456.7 559.7 Khar 2575.0 52.2 231.1 283.3 Rapla 2300.0 46.6 206.4 253.0 Grand total 14625.0 296.3 1312.7 1609.0 The per hectare average bark biomass of non- exploitable and exploitable categories were about 20 kg and 90 kg respectively, amounting to about 110 kg per hectare at district level. The total bark biomass from exploitable size of Lokta stem was found higher in Khandeswari Range post and lower in Joljibi (Table 6). Estimation of annual production Two types of rotations: four years and six years, have generally been recommended for Lokta bark harvesting (Mathema, 1990; FSRO, 1984; FS, 1983). A minimum of four years rotation should be maintained to provide minimum regeneration period for establishment. Six years rotation ensures more sustainable production of Lokta bark compared to four years rotation. The total production of the Lokta bark from the exploitable Annual production is based on per hectare annual yields of Lokta bark which is about 22 kg in four years rotation period and 15 kg in six years rotation period. About 87% of the bark weight was found in exploitable category on the basis of diameter class. The annual yield of Lokta bark from six years rotation for the whole district is only about two-third of the four years rotation. Conclusion The distribution of Daphne spp. varies greatly by Range posts in Darchula district, both in terms of per hectare and total stems. The per hectare average bark biomass from exploitable stem category was about 90 kg at district level which is about 87 % of the total bark biomass. The annual yield of Lokta bark from six years rotation is about 15 kg per hectare for the whole district which is only about two-third of the four years rotation. Nepali handmade paper production Table 7: Annual production of Lokta bark based on 4 and 6 years rotation Rangepost Area (ha) Annual production (tons) 4 years 6 years Dethala 862.5 19.4 12.9 Joljibi 325.0 7.3 4.9 Khalanga 3475.0 78.0 52.0 Khandeswori 5087.5 114.2 76.1 Khar 2575.0 57.8 38.5 Rapla 2300.0 51.6 34.4 Grand total 14625.0 328.2 218.8 size of the stem based on diameter classes for four years and six years rotations are presented in table 7. enterprises can be developed in Darchula district from annual yield production based on six years rotation which might support the livelihood and income level of the rural people in the district. 30   Acknowledgement We are thankful to ANSAB for providing fi nancial support to conduct the study. We would also like to appreciate the District Forest Offi ce Darchula for facilitating the fi eld work. References ANSAB. 2004. Non Timber Forest Products in Newspaper (In Nepali). Asia Network for Sustainable Agriculture and Bioresources (ANSAB), Kathmandu, Nepal. DFO Darchula. 2005. District Forest Office, Darchula district, Khalanga, Nepal. DoF. 2004. Hamro Ban (In Nepali). Department of Forests. Kathmandu, Nepal. FAO. 2010. Global Forest Resource Assessment. United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization. Rome, Italy. FRD, 1991. Annual Report 1990/91. Nepal- UK Forestry Research Project. Kathmandu, Nepal. FS. 1983. Forest Management Plan for Sustainable Production and Utilization of Lokta Biomass in Hatia Range Post, Baglung district, Nepal. FSRO, 1984. Preliminary Survey Report of Lokta Vegetation. Publication No. 41. Forest Survey and Research Offi ce, Kathmandu, Nepal. Jackson, J. K. 1987. Manual of Afforestation in Nepal. 2nd edition. Forest Research and Survey Centre, Kathmandu, Nepal. Jeanrenaud J. P. and Thompson, I. J.1986. Daphne (Lokta), bark biomass production: management implications for paper making in Nepal. Commonwealth Forestry Review 65 (2): 117-130. Mathema, P. 1990. Baglung Lokta Inventory Report. Forestry Research Division. Forest Research and Survey Centre, Kathmandu, Nepal. MoFSC. 2004. Herbs and Non Timber Forest Products Development Policy. Ministry of Forests and Soil Conservation. Government of Nepal, Kathmandu, Nepal. MPFS. 1989. Master Plan for the Forestry Sector. HMG/ ADB/ FINNIDA, Kathmandu, Nepal. MPRC. 2011. District Development Profi le of Nepal (2010/11): A Socio-economic database of Nepal. Mega Publication and Research Centre, Kathmandu, Nepal. NCFP. 1994. Lokta (Daphne Species): The Supply Situation in Basantapur Area. Nepal-UK Community Forestry Project. Kathmandu, Nepal. NPC. 2010. Three Years Plan (2010-2013). National Planning Commission. Government of Nepal. Kathmandu, Nepal. Pokharel, R. K. 1989. Production of hand-made paper from Lokta in Sankhuwasabha. Banko Janakari 2 (2): 145-148.