Diploknema butyreacea (Roxb.) H. J. Lam (Chyura): A Viable Livelihood Option for Hill Communities of Uttarakhand

Author: L.R. Lakshmikanta Panda, Neelu Singh, Arun Uniyal, Jyoti Kukreti and Ritu

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Abstract

Diploknema butyracea is a deciduous tree belonging to the family Sapotaceae. It is about 15 to 25 m in height, widely distributed in the sub-Himalayan region at an altitude of about 300 to 1550 m. It found mostly on areas such as hill slopes and river side. This tree is economically important but underutilized, multipurpose tree of Uttarakhand. A Field survey was conducted during July 2021- September 2023 to collect data on distribution and uses of this tree by the local peoples. In this study 9 population sites of Chyura tree namely Okalkanda, Jamradi, Paitna, Mankot, Matoil, Bhateri, Matila, Kanth and Nawali has been identified. Seeds are the most useful part of the plant, which is used to obtain Chyuri ghee or Chyuri butter. Local peoples of this region used this tree as a food, fuel wood, timber and fodder purpose. Butter produced from chyura seed is also used for making a variety of value-added products like soap, lipbalm, foot crack cream and candles. This paper focus to identify the distribution and socio-economic importance of Chyura (Diploknema butyracea) trees by local communities of Uttarakhand.

Keywords

Chyura, Livelihood, Butter, Uttrakhand

Conclusion

Diploknema butyracea is a plant with unlimited benefits for local farmers to generate livelihood opportunities. The use of oil is found in different fields such as plant based ghee production, candle manufacturing, pharmaceuticals and soap making. Existing Self help groups and NGO’s can work as a bridge between locals farmers to support agribusiness such as bee-farming, better price for honey, butter and livelihood support. Local harvester can make profit by adopting the techniques for honey production during flowering of chyura plant. Training should be provided to local self help group, NGO’s, for making value added product from chyura seed for livelihood generation. D. butryracea can be suggested as an important source for vegetable oil demand in the hill region.

References

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How to cite this article

L.R. Lakshmikanta Panda, Neelu Singh, Arun Uniyal, Jyoti Kukreti and Ritu (2024). Diploknema butyreacea (Roxb.) H. J. Lam (Chyura): A Viable Livelihood Option for Hill Communities of Uttarakhand. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 16(2): 144-148.