Status, utility, threats and conservation options for rattan resources in Manipur

摘要

Manipur, one of the eight states of northeastern India, harbours more than 13 species of rattans under three genera as against 51 species under five genera from the rest of India and 600 species under 13 genera from the world as a whole. Rattans are mainly used for construction, craft, fencing, rituals, rope, food, medicine, etc. In Manipur, about 15 x 104 and 293 x 104 running metres of canes were extracted officially during 200001 and 1992-93 respectively. The revenue generated from rattans and bamboos was 6.2% (out of which 0.6% was from rattans) of total minor forest products during 1999-2000. During 2000-01, a revenue of Rs 13,000 was generated from rattans against Rs 740,000 during 1992-93. The extraction pressure was 6.8 running metre of cane per km(2) during 2000-01 as against 131 running metre of cane per km(2) during 1992-93. Continuous and unscientific extraction of rattans from the vast natural habitat, threatens their survival in Manipur. Cultivation of rattans in Manipur and by and large in the whole of northeastern India, is a challenge that needs to be attended to urgently.