Ecology of valeriana Jatamansi Jones and its Potential Role in the Economy of Dolpa, Nepal

Abstract

Valeriana jatamansi Jones is one of the important medicinal and aromatic plants of Nepal.It is listed under national priority species for cultivation and conservation. The use of this plant is entering in global commerce. The present study aims to analyze ecological and environmental informations regarding this plant to explore its potentiality and sustainability in the economy of Dolpa region.Vegetational informations were taken from natural habitat of the plant by making 18major plots (of 20m × 20m), 90 subplots (5 within each major plot, 2m×2m each) and18 micro plot (1 from each major plot). A stratified random sampling technique was used for plotting the sites within 3 VDCs. Rapid Rural Appraisal, Participatory Observation, Focused Group's Discussion and Key Informant Interviews were carried on to collect environmental informations about the plant. The plant was not found community specific in growing in natural habitat.The soil with higher percentage of nitrogen content and organic matter with slight acidity was found better for the growth and abundance of this plant. Pahada and Tripurakot were found suitable as the better resource yield was found there through the resource estimation. Pahada was found most suitable as the estimated oil yield and dried rhizome yield of this VDCwas obtained highest followed by Tripurakot. In phoksundo, the plant was not found adequately distributed for the commercial purpose. The market and value adding processes of this resource was found very poor within study area. Majority of there source income was found contributing outside than local level. Threat to the plant in Pahada and Tripurakot were also found significant. Indigenous system of resource management for its sustainability was found confined to a mchis, dhamis and some other local healers only. Adequate exploration and utilization of the resource with in study area is recommended as it is found significant to contribute the economy of the local people.