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Good Decision by District Govt for
conservation of Walnut trees
Dear Sir,
I feel immense pleasure to congratulate the district administration
Chitral, for their bold steps taken for the conservation of walnut
trees of kalasha. The walnut policy formulated by the provincial
government, implementation in the valley would bring steps towards
conservation and preservation the species and bring socioeconomic
change among the local rural community. It is one of the best
practices, which gave confidence to the Kalash community and
improve the ecosystem of the valley.
Walnut (Juglans regia) kernels are a favorite dry fruit in Kalash
valley. The total production is about 15-20 tones per year. The
average wholesale price is Rs 120 per kilogram. The average number
of walnut trees per household is 4 to 6 and average production per
tree is 80 to 100 kilograms About 250 families are involved in
walnut production. The said species can be use as substitute to
forest logging in the valley, due to its high economic value and
demands in the local as well as national market. During my recent
visit to Chitral, I visited the entire kalash valley and made
discussion with the local community on the issue. Based on my
personal experience, I want to make some suggestion for the future
planning and management of the walnut trees in the valley.
� Making effective motivational arrangement to involve local
community in planting of walnut trees in the blanks area of the
valley.
� As most of the walnut trees in the valley is attacked by many
diseases and pest, so it is recommended to identify the effected
trees and their treatment should me made.
� Formation of walnut production groups in the valley, in order to
encourage the walnut production and their proper marketing.
� Cutting of walnut trees from the entire kalash valley should be
ban for a period of five year.
� Walnut tree planting programme should be introduced under agro
forestry in the valley with active local community participation.
Now it is the time to conserve the natural resources of the valley
for the welfare of the environment as well as the local poor
community, who totally depends on the natural resources for their
livelihood promotion.
Ajaz Ahmed
Directorate of Non-timber forest produce,
NWFP, Forest Department
Peshawar
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