1 month ago
Wild Himalayan Spice Drives Forest Conservation in Arunachal
In Arunachal Pradesh, a wild spice called Khagi is grown in forests.
Villagers used to pick it for their food and sell it in small amounts.
WWF India helped them sell the spice together, so everyone gets a fair price.
The money they earn is used to watch over the forest and keep it healthy.
Because the forest is valuable, the villagers now want to protect it, and the spice helps them do that.
Khagi (Zanthoxylum) is a wild Himalayan spice harvested by families in West Kameng district.
WWF India partnered with communities to create a collective market for Khagi, linking income to forest protection.
Between 2024 and 2026, communities sold over 10 metric tonnes of Khagi, generating about Rs 39 lakh in revenue.
A portion of the proceeds (Rs 6 lakh) funds forest patrols, biodiversity monitoring, and community welfare.
The initiative has strengthened community stewardship and increased wildlife sightings in the Mandala Phudung Khellong CCA.
- Who
- Indigenous communities of West Kameng district, led by Phurpu and Pem Choijang, with support from WWF India
- What
- Sustainable harvesting and marketing of Khagi spice to fund forest patrols, biodiversity monitoring, and community welfare
- Where
- Mandala Phudung Khellong Community Conserved Area, West Kameng district, Arunachal Pradesh, India
- When
- Initiated in 2019, with sales reported between 2024 and 2026
- Why
- To create an economic incentive for forest protection and improve local livelihoods
Key facts
- Spice
- Zanthoxylum (Khagi)
- Location
- Mandala Phudung Khellong Community Conserved Area
- Forest area protected
- 100 sq km
- Total sales (2024-2026)
- 10 metric tonnes
- Revenue generated
- Rs 39 lakh
- Contribution to CCA fund
- Rs 6 lakh
Quotes
Pem Choijang, Gaonburah (traditional village headman) of Mandala Phudung village
Traditional village headman
“For many years, every family sold Khagi on its own, and we never knew what price others were getting or where the produce finally went.”
thebetterindia.com
“Our partnership with companies has made a significant difference by bringing a reliable market for Khagi right to our doorstep.”
thebetterindia.com
Sources
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