Arunachal Spice Trade Funds Conservation and Boosts Incomes

Itanagar: Indigenous communities in the West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh banked Rs 39 lakh by harvesting a wild Himalayan spice. Known as Khagi, this Zanthoxylum species earned money for over 200 local households. The trade also helped protect 100 square kilometers of forest land. Khagi grows along forest edges and near farm plots. Locals use the dried fruit as a condiment and in traditional medicine.

Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein noted that groups pulled together to aggregate and sell more than 10 tonnes of the spice. This shift lets families bypass local middlemen who dictate unstable prices. Communities now keep a slice of the profit to fund welfare and conservation projects. "The initiative demonstrated how indigenous knowledge and community-led enterprise could create livelihood opportunities while protecting forests," said Mein.

Groups like WWF-India helped back these forest-based business models. Companies including Dabur India, Nahar Organics, and NERAMAC now buy the produce. Researchers warn that while the economic gains remain high, authorities must ensure the long-term management of these natural habitats.