Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Sunday congratulated the communities of Mandala, Phudong, Khlong and Newkmadaung, in the West Kameng district of the state, for their success in marketing major non-timber forest products from protected areas in their community.
He described the initiative as a strong example of how community management can generate livelihoods while protecting nature.
Khandu said this achievement highlights the role of sustainable harvesting and collective action in boosting the rural economy while preserving forest resources.
“Congratulations to the communities of Mandala, Phodong, Khlong and Newkmadaung for successfully marketing important non-timber forest products from protected areas in their communities,” the Prime Minister said in a post on X.
The Prime Minister noted that through collective efforts and sustainable harvesting practices, local tree pickers have been able to market Khaji and Leshi, generating significant income for local households while ensuring the conservation of these valuable forest resources.
Khandu said the initiative demonstrates how local communities can build sustainable livelihoods through responsible management of natural resources.
“Through collective efforts and sustainable harvesting practices, local timber pickers have marketed khaji and leche, generating significant income for local families while ensuring the conservation of these valuable forest resources,” he said.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the role of institutional support and responsible market linkages in the initiative.
He said the effort was supported by WWF India and tied up with responsible buyers like Dabur India, Nahar Organics and North East Regional Agricultural Marketing Corporation.
“This achievement, supported by WWF India and associated with responsible buyers like Dabur India, Nahar Organics and NERAMAC, is a great example of how community management can create livelihoods while protecting nature,” Khandu said.
He expressed his appreciation to the community protected area management committees and families participating in this initiative.
“Our heartfelt congratulations to all CCA management committees and over 250 participating families. Community-led initiatives such as these strengthen the green economy of Arunachal Pradesh while preserving our rich environmental heritage,” he added.
The marketing of non-timber forest products, such as Sichuan pepper and star anise, is increasingly being promoted in Arunachal Pradesh as a sustainable livelihood option for rural communities, officials said.
By linking forest-based products with responsible buyers and regulated markets, such initiatives help generate income for villagers while encouraging the conservation of biodiversity-rich community forests across the state, they added.
This article was generated from an automated news feed without any modifications to the text.
