Value chain analysis of Rhododendron arboreum squash ‘buransh’ as a non-timber forest product (NTFP) in Western Himalayas: Case study of Chamoli district, Uttarakhand in India

Rhododendron arboreum species belonging to the Ericaceae family are found at an altitude of 1500–3000 m in the Himalayan region with bright red to pinkish flowers. These flowers are edible and are harvested for the Rhododendron arboreum processed squash called ‘buransh’ in the native language. This Rhododendron squash provides high ecological and medicinal value as it not only acts as a refreshing drink for the locals but its extraction for commercial utilization provides many livelihood opportunities to the local communities of the Western Himalayas. The Indian state of Uttarakhand has been a rich source of many NTFPs especially Rhododendrons which are extracted for both local and commercial use in the study area. Our research focuses on the Value-chain analysis of Rhododendron arboreum squash ‘buransh’ as a Non-timber forest product (NTFP) with the case study of Chamoli District in the state of Uttarakhand. The findings of the study reveal that the harvest of R.arboreum for the production of Rhododendron squash provides many economic benefits to the local communities. The average price of freshly harvested R.arboreum flowers ranges from 30 to 60 Rupees (available in both fresh wet and in dry form). The quantum of squash production varies from 2500 to 7500 L in the flowering season depending on the production capacity, size, and location of the processing units/ NGOs or cottage industries in the study area. The value chain provides an important source of livelihood enhancement option for the locals of the Himalayas region to target the unemployment in the state of Uttarakhand. The study explores the value-chain from the harvest of the R.arboreum for the Rhododendron squash preparation and its various components, stages, methods and, the opportunities and challenges involved. The forest community groups such as the 'Van-Panchayats' play a significant role in the management of the forest resources in the study area. The study recommends trainings and capacity building for enhancing the knowledge of the locals to adopt sustainable practices for the harvest of the R.arboreum sp. and to maintain the overall vitality and health of the Rhododendron rich forests from high anthropogenic pressures in the study area.