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Issues and options of sustainable management of Himalayan medicinal herbs

Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2002
AuthorsHarisharan Luintel,
Journal TitleJournal of Forest and Livelihood
Volume2
Pagination53-55
ISBN Number1684-0186
Key Wordsclimatic factors; coownership; forest fires; grazing; harvesting; institutions; medicinal plants; non-wood forest products; resource management; resource utilization; sustainability; terrain; Nardostachys; Picrorhiza; Valeriana jatamansi
AbstractThis paper analyses the dynamics of unsustainable harvesting and management practices of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) in Nepal, with particular reference to jatamansi ( Nardostachys grandiflora ), kutki ( Picrorhiza scrophulariifolia ) and sugandhawal ( Valeriana jatamansi ). Emphasis is given on variables such as: forest fire and grazing practices, poorly developed institutions, resource exploitation, agricultural works coinciding with NTFP collection season, bad weather conditions, difficult land terrain, above-average collection of NTFPs, lack of communal ownership of the forest, and inadequate support from the local government. Finally, potential actions that can be taken to improve harvesting practices are suggested.