M. Y. Ansari , H. P. Singh , Ashish Rawat

Abstract

Agro-technologies for cultivation of a number of medicinal plants have been developed but large scale cultivation of medicinal plants on farm lands in Uttarakhand is yet to begin. Among other causes for this gap, lack of reasonable correct information on economics of cultivation of medicinal plants is one important cause. The economics of cultivation of six medicinal plant species viz; Kutki, Kuth, Atees, Meetha, Chirayata and Buchh was studied on farmer's field in Uttarkashi District. The net benefits calculated for each species were subjected to cost effectiveness at 9% discount rate in relation to fall in prices by 20%, 30% and 40%, increase in wage rate by 20%, 30% and 40%, and increase in rental value (opportunity cost) of land by 20%, 30% and 40%. The net benefit calculated for each species were also analysed to sensitivity analysis in relation to increase in wage rate by 20 % and increase in rental value (opportunity cost) of land by 20%. The results showed that maximum net benefits of Rs. 1240, Rs. 427 and Rs. 153 could be received at 9% discount rate by Atees, Kutki and Chirayata respectively.

Keywords

Medicinal & Aromatic Plants, Uttarkashi District, Uttarakhand, Aconitum
heterophyllum (Atees), Picrohiza Kurooa (kutki), Saussurea Costus (Kuth), Aconitum ferox
(Meetha), Swertia Species (Chirayata), Acorus calamus (Buchh), Economic Analysis,
Sensitivity Analysis, Rental Value

Full Text

     

M. Y. Ansari , H. P. Singh

Abstract

20-45 years old teak, rain-fed, plantations carried out on forest land in gaps of original sal forests, that received frost protection by the nursing effect of sal over-wood were analysed for financial viability in tarai region of Uttarakhand. The maximum NPV (Rs. 19,856) at 12 % discount rate and IRR (31.20%) was obtained in 21 years old Barakoli plantation. It was due to higher survival rate (43.85 %) and the lowest gestation period (21 years). On the other hand minimum IRR 23.95 % was found in case of Lakhanmandi plantation site. It was because of the poor survival rate (23.65 %) and a long gestation period of 45 years. In general all the unirrigated teak plantations on government land (NPV at 12 % rate of interest, Rs. 3,556 to Rs. 19,856 and IRR 23.95 to 31.20 per cent) were found financially viable.

Full Text

     

N. K. Sharma , J. S. Samra , H. P. Singh

Abstract

Poplar with high productivity in 6-12 years rotation is being preferred, particularly as boundary plantations, in various agroforestry systems in northern part of India. A quantitative approach is an important step in the quest for a better understanding of the complex mechanisms of tree-crop interaction, which should offer scientific basis for designing more productive and sustainable agroforestry systems. This paper reports on the quantitative estimations of various interactions occurring at the tree line/crop interface of Poplar and wheat grown on irrigated alluvial soil in Western U.P. No significant adverse effect was noticed on wheat crop when grown with association of 3 year old boundary plantation of Poplar. However, a significant decline of 15.5 per cent was recorded only up to a distance of 3 m from the tree base due to 4 year old plantation. Water use of the system increased upto 6 m from the tree line which caused moisture stress to the wheat crop. At the same time boundary plantation of Poplar had favourable effect on the micro-climate which improved the status of soil moisture between 6-9 m distance and increased the water use efficiency. Competition for natural resources was reduced between weeds and wheat due to reduction in weed population and biomass in the system. Litter production averaged 1103 kg ha^-1 in 3 and 4 year old plantation and this returned 12,2.5,8,21.3 and 8.6 kg ha^-1 ofN, P, K, Ca and Mg to the soil. Addition of leaflitter near the tree line tended to change the physico-chemical properties of the soil.

Full Text

     

M. S. Negi , M. Y. Ansari , H. P. Singh

Abstract

The tree growers of Yamunanagar District used various channels for selling their trees/produce; viz. Traders - Industries, Village level Agents/Contractors - Traders - Industries, Village level Agents/Contractors - Saw mills - Consumers, Traders - Saw mills - Consumers and Traders - Other markets of the State. It was found that 73 per cent of tree growers prefer through village agents, 23 per cent traders and only 4 per cent industries. It was also observed that socioeconomic factors such as literacy level, education and even family size do not have any significant effect on choice of market channels.

Full Text

     

N. K. Sharma , H. P. Singh , K. S. Dadhwal

Abstract

Field study was carried out to assess the leaf litter production and quantity of nutrients returned to the soil through litter fall of Populus deltoides (boundary plantation) based agroforestry system under irrigated condition. Litter fall was restricted upto a distance of 9m from the tree line and total amount of 913.8 and 1291.8 kg ha^-1 was estimated with 3 and 4 year old plantation, respectively. Maximum amount of leaf fall (46-57%) was collected from 0-3 m distance and reduced with increase in distance from tree line .. On an average, 557.4, 367.6 and 177.5 kg ha^-1 leaflitter was collected between 0-3, 3-6 and 6-9m distance, respectively. Considerable amount of nutrients was recycled to the soil through leaf fall. The return of nutrients through leaf litter into the soil decreased in the order ofCa > N > Mg> K > P. It was estimated that highest calcium of 18.3-24.3 kg ha.1 , followed by nitrogen of 11.2-12.5 kg ha^-l, magnesium of 7.8-10.0 kg ha^-1 , potassium of 6.9-8.9 kg ha^-1 , and phosphorus of 2.45-2.59 kg ha^-1, was added/returned to the soil during winter leaf fall of Populus deltoides.

Full Text

     

H. P. Singh , C. N. Pandey , S. N. Sharma

Abstract

Shrinkage behaviour of Robina pseudacacia was studied and its total tangential, radial and volumetric shrinkage was found as 7.7 %, 5.1 % and 10 % respectively which compares well with timbers like, Adina cordifolia, Dillellia pentagyna, Holoptelea integrifolia and Machiluus macrantha. Its retention of shape and size relative to teak was found as 73 % compared to teak taken as 100. The mean Inter-section Point (I.S.P) was estimated and found as 24 %. The species may be classed as moderately stable in shape and size, comparable to species commonly in use for furniture and joinery.

Full Text