Estimation of Diospyros melanoxylon Roxb. Leaves Production in Forests of Jharkhand, India

Diospyros melanoxylon Roxb. leaves used in manufacture of indigenous traditional cigarette, called as bidi, contributes to social economic livelihood of rural and tribal people in India generating a source of subsidiary occupation and supplementary income apart from providing significant revenue to state forest departments. However, a reliable, scientific and statistically sound estimate of its production is essential to obtain optimal revenue and livelihood opportunities in the sector. Thus, the present study was carried out to quantify production of D. melanoxylon leaves in the state of Jharkhand, India on a scientific basis. Collection of D. melanoxylon leaves being a time-bound seasonal activity, field survey and data collection was planned by dividing the state into in five administrative zones namely Palamu, Hazaribagh, Giridih, Singhbhum and Ranchi divided into 45 MFP ranges comprising of 295 lots and 686 collection units. The focus of sampling was estimation of number of plants in a fixed area i.e. plant density, number of pluck able leaves per plant, number of total pluckable leaves per plant, and plant growth geometry. A novel sampling strategy designed as Stratified Cluster Line Transect Quadrat Random Sampling comprising of essential elements of sampling strategy and vegetational survey methods with line transect of 100m x 10m and quadrate of 5m x 5m. In all, 52% collection units from all lots of entire MFP ranges were surveyed. Three permanent plots per MFP range were also maintained to evaluate the quantum of leaf harvesting throughout the collection season by collecting all pluckable leaves. The productivity of D. melanoxylon leaves was found around 11.50 lakh standard bags (52000 tonnes). However, realized yield in absence of pruning/pollarding and other silvicultural operation as well as the political disturbance severely hampering efficient working, may be less.