Teak Forest Management: As an example of economic development and employment in Baunnakoti CF, Rupandehi

Introduction: Chiliya Teak forest is situated in Chiliya VDC of Rupandehi District. It is plantation forest established during B.S. 2024-025 by district forest office. Teak (Tectona grandis) is one of the highly important and valuable exotic species generally used for furniture and musical instruments. This forest is handed over to FUG in 2058 as Baunnakoti CFUG to users of four VDCs i.e. Chiliya, Padsari, Tikuligadh and Madhawaliya. This is the first and oldest (41 years crop) Teak plantation in Nepal. The economic and financial rotation of teak is 25 and 40 years respectively as prescribed in literatures. Technically there is need of harvesting of final crop to obtained optimum benefit. This study has aim to show the result of management intervention in the improvement of forest condition, supply of forest products and economic benefit to FUG as well as opportunity of employment for poor users.

Objective of management: To demonstrate the teak forest management and supplies of products for economic development of FUG. To develop the learning centre on teak forest management for the wider sharing.

Management Intervention

• Initially discussed with FUGC and organized workshop for FUGC and other users.
• Technical support to prepare harvesting plan and its implementation
• Convincing FUG and politicians to carryout forest operations
• Regular monitoring and encouragement to FUGC to minimize obstacles
• Selection Silvicultural System: Removal of Over matured trees, Diseased, Deformed and Dense crops

Achievements and Outcomes:

• Altogether 1172 trees (66% of total stock) of different diameter classes have felled and obtained 10300 cft. timber and 25 Chatta fuel wood that is beyond AAC.
• FUG generated Rs 3679832.00 from timber and fuel wood which was sold within CFUG at the rate of Rs 367.00 per cft.
• Forest product harvesting and transportation cost Rs 501645.00
• Employment 1500 person days and Fund used for IGA of poor & CD
• Forest management capacity enhanced of DFO staff and FUG
• Regenerations from seeds and coppice from stump came up in felling area.
• Total 1975 households including 494 poor households have benefited from forest products

Conclusion

• There is need of appropriate silvicultural system/ operations for sustainable forest management, to sustain supply of forest products with an opportunity of economic development and employment
• Replication of learning in other area of CF and wider out of FUG
• Value addition of timber i.e. forest based enterprise development and support/ opportunity for poverty reduction.