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<p><i>Pinus gerardiana</i> Wall. ex D. Don (chilgoza pine) holds profound cultural, ecological and economic value for the tribal communities of Kinnaur and Pangi in the western Himalayas. However, the species is undergoing rapid decline, posing serious threats to both biodiversity and traditional livelihoods. This study examines the socioeconomic conditions of chilgoza nut collectors across five forest ranges in Himachal Pradesh—Kalpa, Kilba, Moorang, Pooh (Kinnaur) and Pangi (Chamba), encompassing its entire natural distribution in the state. Primary data from 60 households representing the marginal, small, and medium farm categories were analysed to identify the drivers of decline. Results indicate that the traditional community-based system of chilgoza collection is eroding, primarily due to the growing dominance of commercial apple cultivation, which accounts for over 69.57 per-cent of farm income. Unsustainable harvesting practices, particularly branch lopping, are degrading trees and hindering natural regeneration. Climate change, reflected in declining winter snowfall, has further reduced cone production. On average, households own 1.43&#xa0;ha of land, with 68.53 per-cent under cultivation, of which 50.35 per-cent is apple orchards. Although chilgoza contributes 3.03 per-cent to the household income, it remains vital for livelihood diversification. Marketing is dominated by wholesalers (Channel III, 62.25%), though direct sales (Channel I) are most efficient yet least adopted. Policy interventions focusing on sustainable harvesting, value addition and farmer-producer organisations (FPOs) can enhance efficiency, generate rural employment and revive traditional livelihood systems. Strengthening institutions for non-timber forest products (NTFP) is key to balancing conservation and economic resilience.</p>

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Socio-economic Dimensions and Marketing Efficiency of Pinus gerardiana Wall. ex D. Don (Chilgoza pine) Cultivation in Himachal Pradesh, India

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年5月19日

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  • Rajender Kumar,
  • Shubham,
  • Hari Paul Sankhyan,
  • Tarun Verma

摘要

Pinus gerardiana Wall. ex D. Don (chilgoza pine) holds profound cultural, ecological and economic value for the tribal communities of Kinnaur and Pangi in the western Himalayas. However, the species is undergoing rapid decline, posing serious threats to both biodiversity and traditional livelihoods. This study examines the socioeconomic conditions of chilgoza nut collectors across five forest ranges in Himachal Pradesh—Kalpa, Kilba, Moorang, Pooh (Kinnaur) and Pangi (Chamba), encompassing its entire natural distribution in the state. Primary data from 60 households representing the marginal, small, and medium farm categories were analysed to identify the drivers of decline. Results indicate that the traditional community-based system of chilgoza collection is eroding, primarily due to the growing dominance of commercial apple cultivation, which accounts for over 69.57 per-cent of farm income. Unsustainable harvesting practices, particularly branch lopping, are degrading trees and hindering natural regeneration. Climate change, reflected in declining winter snowfall, has further reduced cone production. On average, households own 1.43 ha of land, with 68.53 per-cent under cultivation, of which 50.35 per-cent is apple orchards. Although chilgoza contributes 3.03 per-cent to the household income, it remains vital for livelihood diversification. Marketing is dominated by wholesalers (Channel III, 62.25%), though direct sales (Channel I) are most efficient yet least adopted. Policy interventions focusing on sustainable harvesting, value addition and farmer-producer organisations (FPOs) can enhance efficiency, generate rural employment and revive traditional livelihood systems. Strengthening institutions for non-timber forest products (NTFP) is key to balancing conservation and economic resilience.