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

     

Mohit Gera , M. S. Gusain , M. Y. Ansari , N. S. Bisht

Abstract

Agro technologies for cultivation of a number of medicinal plant species have been developed but large-scale cultivation on farmlands is yet to begin. Amongst other causes for this gap, lack of reasonably correct information on economics of cultivation of these species is one important cause. The economics of cultivation of five medicinal plant species, viz., Kalmegh, Buch, Safed musli, Ashwagandha and Akarkara was studied on farmer's field in Haryana. The net benefits calculated for each species were also subjected to sensitivity analysis in relation to fall in price by 25%, 50%, 75% increase in wage rate by 10%, 20%, 30% and increase in rental value of land by 20%, 40% & 60%. The results showed that maximum net benefits of Rs 36,140 and Rs. 19,016 per acre could be received by cultivation of Safed musli and Kalmegh respectively. The cultivation of Kalmegh and Ashwagandha were observed to be more resilient to the adverse factors of price fall, increase in wage rate and rental value of land, compared to other species. On the basis of initial investment involved and resilience to adverse market conditions, the cultivation of Kalmegh and Ashwagandha is recommended for small farmers. The large farmers who can afford greater risk may cultivate Buch and Safed musli and Akarkara for higher returns.

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

     

Harminder Sodhi , M. Y. Ansari

Abstract

To improve the biological productivity as well as the economic return of the same piece of land, the different formats of farm forestry include peripheral planting on field boundaries, block plantation along with usual agricultural practices are being adopted in Haryana. The poplar planting has been selected for an indepth study in view of its important contribution towards rural economy. To study the economic results of the various plantations, the major component of Cost Benefit Analysis viz; Net Present Value (NPV), Benefit Cost Ratio (B : C ratio), Internal Rate of Return (IRR) and Average Annual Net Returns (AANR) are calculated for 4,5 and 6 years of rotations and poplar planting has been found to be more profitable than the traditional agricultural crops in Ambala, Kurukshetra and Yamunanagar Districts of Haryana.

Full Text

     

Shyam Dhar , A. K. Mahendra , M. Y. Ansari

Abstract

Bidi is a labour intensive rural industry and an article mainly consumed by the rural poor. In this study economics of rural based and employment oriented bidi industry is being examined. Appropriate long term measures to make this industry economically and socially sound for the benefit of rural poor, tribals and other weaker section of society have been suggested. It is necessary that pruning operations should be at proper time and tendu leaves collection should be well organised to enhance the leaves production. Development of tendu bushes in close vicinity of the villages and on the forest margins is more beneficial. Export of bidis in place of bidi wrapper leaves can generate more employment opportunities and can earn additional foreign exchange. On the average 287 mandays required for manufacturing bidis from 1 tonne tendu leaves [107 mandays are required for tendu leaves collection (plucking drying, packing) and 180 mandays for manufacturing of bidis (rolling, threading and packing including labelling]. 0.4 million tonnes potential tendu leaves production has the capability to generate employment for 114.80 million mandays (42.80 million mandays in collection of tendu leaves and 72 million mandays in manufacturing of bidis).

Full Text

     

N. M. Misra , A. K. Mahendra , M. Y. Ansari

Abstract

Pilot survey of fuel consumption in rural areas was conducted by the Forest Economics Branch, FRI in 1974 and again in 1984 in the regions: 1. Region I - Villages surrounded by forests 2. Region II - Villages near the forests 3. Region III - Villages away from the forests. The present study pertains the villages in the hilly areas. In villages of region I and II firewood is the only fuel used in the domestic sector while the position is different in the region III where agricultural waste is also used as fuel. Not even a single family was found using dung cake as fuel. Per capita fuel consumption is the highest in the region I and lowest in the region III according to difficulty in procuring wood. Per capita noncommercial fuel consumption varies with respect to profession, family size and land area available with the family. Shortage of alternative sources is evident.

Full Text

     

N. M. Misra , A. K. Mahendra , M. Y. Ansari

Abstract

The object of this study was to analyse the teak (Tectona grandis) logs prices in Orissa. It is observed that annual growth rate in prices is higher in larger girth classes and there was steep rise in price after 1974. Rise in teak price indices is much higher than the general price indices and after 1974 this gap has widened which may be due to economic causes. More emphasis on teak plantation and utilization pattern substituting secondary species, etc. is necessary for arresting the rapid increase in prices.

Full Text

     

S. R. Sagar , L. P. Chandola , M. Y. Ansari

Abstract

A pilot survey of fuel consumption in rural areas was conducted by the Forest Economics Branch of Forest Research Institute & Colleges in 1974 in the following regions : Region I - Villages surrounded by the Forests - Chakrata; Region II - villages near the Forests - Harrawala; Region III - Villages away from the Forests - Karaundi. The results of these surveys have been reported in two papers (1976) and (1981). The present survey conducted in 1983 was done to study the changes in three localities. The Comparison of the Survey show that: 1. There is a tendency to go towards agriculture; 2. Size of the family is increasing; 3. Dungeake consumption is decreasing. Villages in the third region as indicated by Karaundi population are going for Eucalyptus plantation.

Full Text

     

L. P. Chandola , A. K. Mahendra , M. Y. Ansari

Abstract

Village Karaundi was surveyed for domestic fuel consumption in 1974 and again in 1983. Reduction in dung cake and running for Eucalyptus plantation without any outside Influence are the most useful and significant changes that have come to light in this recent survey. The effective dung cake consumption has been reduced from 37% to near 8% and firewood consumption from 33% to 23 % and increase in agricultural waste from 30% to 605 speaks very high of the rationality of villagers. Perhaps the daily rising costs of chemical fertilisers are responsible for this to some extent. The rational approach adopted by the farmers is confirmed by their outlook towards Eucalyptus. They saw' the growth; liked it and planted Eucalyptus.

Full Text

     

R. S. Mathur , S. R. Sagar , M. Y. Ansari

Abstract

Large scale plantation of Eucalyptus were started in 1962 in the tarai region of U.P. in mixed poor stocked forests or grassy blanks within or c1osor to the forests. The total area upto 1978-79 under Eucalyptus plantations in different forest circle of U.P. was 82,132 hectare while the total area under all other broad leaved species was 5,39,180 ha. At present Eucalyptus is raised in large scale plantation programme by the Forest Department as well as by the individuals all over the country. The present study is concerned with 116 hectare Eucalyptus plantations which were established in 13 different plots during 1971 and 1973, in the Bijnor Plantation Division. Main crop of these plantation was exloited during 1981-82, and produced 4895 & 951S m³ (Q G) logs and firewood for which royalty received this study reveals that Eucalyptus plantations are economically feasible.

Full Text

     

R. S. Mathur , K. K. Sharma , M. Y. Ansari

Abstract

Increasing attention is being paid to raising large leale plentations of Eucalyptus spp under Agro-Forestry throughout India to meet the demand for fore firewood, small timber, poles, beams, pape, pulp etc. A shift in the cropping pattern from agriculture to farm forestry has been experienced in the States of Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Haryana. Eucalyptus has been planted by the formers on field bunds, along field boundaries, in roilS along water channels and in compact blocks in agriculture fields with variable spacings. The present paper presents the results in respect of economic reasibility or Eucalyptus raised with or without agrlculture on fields bunds and in blocks at varying spacings viz. 2.5 m×2.5 m, 3.0 m×1.5 m, 4.0 m×2.0 m and 6.0 m × 1.0 m on farm lands. Cultivation of Eucalyptus at wider spacing in combination with agriculture crops at 8 years rotation ensures high economic returns.

Full Text

     

S. R. Sagar , M. Y. Ansari

Abstract

The Sixth Five Year Plan placed high prioritv to export with a target of 5.2 per cent annual growth in gross domestic product. The role of the export in improving the balance of payments and as incentive to increase the production need no emphasis. The plywood industry has definite role to play to meet the challenge of Export front. The plywood export has emerged on export map of the World in 1961-62. The quantity exported in various years, fluctuated year to year with many mixima and maxima. The possible reasons attributed to such fluctuation are: (a) increased production cost due to short sUpply of ply logs of rigid specification; price of the glue many times more than internaltional price and antiquated machinery; (b) quality of the plywood and (C) non-adherence to delivery schedules. The report of the National Commission on Agriculture 1976 (part IX Forestry) Govt of India has prescribed certain measures such as to make available glue at international prices, to update the technology for reducing the losses and sophisticated m achinery to produce quality venners and to raise the export equal to domestic consumption by 1985. The plywood industry has great export potential as is evident from the fact that the share of plywood export to the total foreign trade in major forest produce during 1974-75 was 27.80 per cent. The present study has been taken up to forecast the domestic consumption, rate of growth of export, total production of plywood and necessary requirement of wood and installed capacity for the period 1981 to 1985.

Full Text

     

S. R. Sagar , L. P. Chandola , M. Y. Ansari

Abstract

The pilot studies were carried out to find out the effect of family size and profession of people on consumption of non-commercial fuel e.g., firewood, dung cake and agricultural waste in domestic sector of rural areas. While in villages (in Region I) surrounded by the forests, firewood is the only fuel used in domestic sector, the position is different in Region II where dung cake is also used as fuel and in Region III firewood, dung cake and agricultural waste are found to be used as fuel. The per capita consumption of total fuel in Regions II and III remaining altogether the Same; the firewood, component of non-commercial fuel varies gradually by people belonging to different professions as well as per capita consumption among regions. Thus profession of the people plays a definite role in consumption pattern of non-commercial fuel in domestic sector of rural areas.

Full Text

     

Rolla Seshagiri Rao , B. M. Wadhwa , M. Y. Ansari

Abstract

The present paper deals with the distribution of some useful timber species of Evergreen forests of both the Western and Eastern regions of India, together with their economic utility, and the need for introduction of such useful species from one region to another. An attempt has been made to include 84 species belonging to 33 genera which represent 16 families, some with their characteristic endemic features. A distribution table together with two maps indicating the occurrence of endemic species only in the evergreen forests of different states in Western and Eastern India and also two sets of photos each showing important species of respective evergreen forests have been added.

Full Text

     

M. Y. Ansari , R. S. Raghavan , K. Hemadri

Abstract

Chlorophytum bharuchae Ansari, Raghavan et Hemadri sp. nov. collected from Western Ghats of Maharashtra and Mysore States is described with illustrations.

Full Text

     

R. Sundararaghavan , B. M. Wadhwa , M. Y. Ansari

Abstract

Utricularia equiseticaulis Blatt. et McCann, was first described from Mahabaleshwar but there is no record of its being subsequently collected ever since. A reference to the various prominent herbaria in India revealed that it is not represented in any of them. In 1967, the species was rediscovered from the type locality and critically studied. It is now evident that U. equiseticaulis is only a robust form of U. graminifolia Vahl and hence merged under the latter species.

Full Text

     

Koppula Hemadri , M. Y. Ansari

Abstract

Clropegia mahabalei Hemadri et Ansari a new Asclepiad from Junnarghats of Sahyadri ranges, Western ghats (Maharashtra State), is described and illustrated.

Full Text

     

M. Y. Ansari , Koppula Hemadri

Abstract

no abstract

Full Text

     

M. Y. Ansari , B. G. Kulkarni

Abstract

Ceropegia sahyadrica Ansari et Kulkarni sp. Nov. collected from Poona and Ratnagiri districts (Maharashtra State) is described with illustrations. Earlier, this species had been misunderstood to be C. lawii Hook. F. and C. panchganiensis Blatt. Et McC. And, therefore, remained misidentified.

Full Text