Collection and Processing of Non-timber Forest Products in North Eastern Pakistan of Azad Jammu.....

The Himalayan region is a biodiversity hotspot with a diverse range of non-timber forest products. The current study is a baseline study that provides information on the extraction and processing of non-timber forest products, particularly medicinal plants, in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan. Based on the snowball sampling process, a total of 60 respondents (local collectors) were chosen. In both regions, the primary motive for collecting Non-Timber Forest Products was to generate cash, and collectors had to travel up to 4-6 kilometres to do so. In Bagh District, the majority of respondents (91%) gathered Non-Timber Forest Products for medicinal purposes, but in Neelam Valley, vegetable gathering (86%) is the primary reason for collection. Non-Timber Forest Products are generally harvested by hand during the summer for 6-10 hours, 1-3 times per season. It was also discovered that most respondents in Bagh district preferred sun drying, whilst respondents in Neelam valley preferred sun and shadow drying. It was determined that for sustainable harvesting, processing, and marketing of Non-Timber Forest Products in the region, a public-private collaboration is required. Please see the link :- https://www.journalajraf.com/index.php/AJRAF/article/view/30117