Cheura (Diploknema butyracea) as a livelihood option for forest-dweller tribe (Van-Raji) of Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand, India

Abstract

This study documents the traditional uses of Cheura or Chyur (Diploknema butyracea) by a tribal group (Van-Raji) in Eastern Uttarakhand part of western Himalayan region. Cheura is one of the economically important but lesser known and underutilized multipurpose tree of Himalaya. It has a great spiritual and cultural importance along with livelihood association along the Himalayan communities especially the Van-Rajis, which are among the most ancient primitive vulnerable tribes (PVTs) of India with a population of around 700 in Uttarakhand. Field surveys were conducted during 2015–2017 to collect data on the availability and uses of various parts of this tree by the tribals in their 9 hamlets in Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand. These tribals use almost all the parts of the tree and has a great economic value in respect of food, fuel wood, timber, fodder and other products. It is also used to cure many diseases and body disorders by the community people such as in inflammation of tonsils, rheumatism, itching, ulcers, hemorrhage, etc. All such uses are discussed. An attempt has also been made to document the current causes of habitat loss of this socio-economic important tree and traditional knowledge thereof along with a suggested action plan.