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BANGLADESH

INTRODUCTION

Main non-wood forest products

The most important NWFP in Bangladesh are bamboo, rattan cane, sungrass, golpatta, medicinal plants, horitaka, hantal, murta (pati pata), hogla and honey and beeswax. Other important NWFP include mangrove fish and wildlife resources.

General information

In Bangladesh, all usufructs/utility products of plant, animal and mineral origins except timber obtainable from forests or afforested lands are defined as Minor Forest Products (MFP). Services for tourism and recreation in forests are also attributed as MFP.

NWFP are consumed mostly by local people, who also harvest them. The increased demand for NWFP is causing high pressure on the NWFP resources owing to continued extraction from the forests.

 

Table 1. Exports of selected NWFP (1991/92 and 1992/93)

Commodity

Exports (in million taka)

1991–92

1992–93

I) Edible products

28.13

50.71

1. Fruits

 

0.28

2. Dried fruits

0.07

3. Tamarind

 

16.07

II) Medicinal and aromatic plants

4.64

0.16

1. Black cumin seed

Primary products: 0.24;

Manufactured: 47.94

Manufactured: 82.48

2.Crude drugs

-

6.83

3.Pharmaceuticals

1.20

-

4. Goods for perfumery: cinchona bark (1986–97)

3.7

-

5. Plants and parts for pharmacy (1986–97)

0.28

-

6. Plants for insecticides and fungicides (1986–97)

 

6.83

III) Bamboos

28.32

-

1. Bamboo poles

0.14

-

2. Hukka nali

Manufactured:

0.41

-

IV) Fibres

-

3.30

1. Coir and coir products

1.89

-

2. Brooms

2.10

2.21

3. Raw cotton

0.15

-

4.Cotton waste

Manufactured: 5 499.65

Manufactured: 5 746.16

V) Tans

Manufactured: 3.69

Manufactured: 45.90

1. Leather crust/finished

Manufactured: 157.69

Manufactured: 370.72

2. Leather bags/purses

Manufactured: 5.63

Manufactured: 66.40

3. Footwear

-

 

4. Hand gloves

0.33

12.84

VI)Miscellaneous NWFP

0.23

-

1. Beeswax

Manufactured: 36.55

Manufactured: 21.89

2. Cosmetics

-

Manufactured: 7.48

3. Soaps

Manufactured: 331.90

Manufactured: 210.97

4. Handicrafts

Manufactured: 1.69

Manufactured: 6.43

5. Silk fabrics

Primary products: 66.29

Manufactured: 6 085.15

Primary products: 92.04

Manufactured: 6 558.43

VII) Fish products (mangrove)

   

1. Frozen food (fish, shrimps and frog legs)

6 423.46

4 969.14

2. Shark fins and fishmaws

54.09

155.07

142.48

220.93

3. Dried fish (dehydrated and salted)

56.65

146.85

4. Crabs

9.53

69.07

5. Tortoises and turtles

6.15

31.80

6. Duck breast feathers

1.91

-

7. Sea shells

3.06

3.60

Note: If not specified the figures stand for primary products.

Sources: Bangladesh Export Statistics (1992–1993), Export Promotion Bureau, Dhaka; Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (1987)

The Government of Bangladesh collects significant earnings from the royalties, taxes and other charges on NWFP. Modest export earnings are derived from the sale of bamboo and shells. Sophisticated finished articles and souvenirs made from NWFP are major exportable items that often carry with them the cultural dignity of the nation. The collection, processing and marketing of NWFP provides employment for an estimated 300 000 rural Bangladeshis (Khan 1994). Much of this employment continues throughout the year. The Sundarbans mangrove forest accounts for a major part of the NWFP produced in Bangladesh with an annual contribution of approximately Tk.717 million (US$17.9 million) to the Bangladesh economy (Basit 1995).

 

PLANTS AND PLANT PRODUCTS

Food

Edible plants in Bangladesh include various species, such as Acrostichium aureum, Avicennia alba, Avicennia marina, Avicennia officinalis, Bruguiera gymnorhiza, Bruguiera sexangula, Heritieria fomes, Nypa fruticans, Rhizophora mucronata, Sonneratia caseolaris, Sonneratia acida and Xylocarpus granatum.

Mushrooms provide subsistence food for the local people. No current information is available on the utilization of mushrooms.

Medicines

The leaves, bark, and fruit of many plants are used commonly as medicines in Bangladesh. Among the most common are kurus pata (Holarrhene antidysonberica), horitaka (Terminalia chebula), amlaki (Phyllauthus emblica) and bohera (Terminalia belerica) (Khan 1994).

Perfumes and cosmetics

Blumea sp. (bria ghash), Clerodendrum inerme (sitakaa, sitakai), Cyprus javanicus (kucha, kusha), Ipomea pes-caprae (chhagalkuri), Leea aequata (kaka jungha), Pandanus foetidus (kewa kata) and Premna corymbosa (serpoli) have been identified in the Sundarbans, which yield essential oils for perfumery as well as medicinal uses. The leaves of B. lacera yield 0.5 percent of essential oil, after steam distillation, from which camphor is made. The root is also medicinal. Another species, B. densiflora also yields camphor. An essential oil called kewa katta attar is produced from the ripe inflorescence of P. odoratissimus. Kewa katta attar is a highly popular perfume that has been extracted and used since ancient times. It blends well with almost all types of perfumes and is used for, inter alia, scenting clothes, bouquets, lotions and cosmetics. Kewa katta and water are used for flavouring various foods, sweets, syrups and soft drinks. Cyprus javanicus is used commercially for the extraction of essential oil from its tuberous roots that are aromatic and may be useful for perfumes and agarbatties or joss sticks.

Dyeing and tanning

Excellent grades of leather are produced from mangrove bark tannins. Bangladesh tans huge quantities of leather. Skins are tanned with the tannin extracts from bark, fruits and leaves of local trees in the Sundarbans mangroves, along with some imported tanning material. Data on the production of tanning barks are not available. The economic value of catechu bark for tannin in Bangladesh was Tk.77 million in 1992.

Goran (Ceriops decandra), kankra (Brugiera gymnorrhiza) and passur (Xylocarpus mekongensis) have been collected from the Sundarbans for the extraction of tannins. Many of the tannin factories in Bangladesh have, however, depended considerably on imported tannin extracts. About 10 000 tonnes of mangrove bark are estimated to be harvested annually at the felling coups in the Sundarbans.

Utensils, handicrafts and construction materials

The golpatta palm (Nypa fruticans) has a variety of uses. The leaves are used principally as thatching material, but they can also be made into bags, baskets, hats, mats, raincoats and wrappers. The leaf’s mid-ribs can be made into brooms. Sun-dried petioles are cut as firewood and fresh petioles are used as tying materials and coarse brushes. Sap can be used in the production of alcohol, wine, sugar and vinegar. Ripe fruits can be eaten raw (Basit 1995). Young shoots, decayed wood, burnt roots or leaves are useful for the treatment of herpes, toothache and headache. Annually about 19 200 people collect golpatta fronds and market them in nearby communities (Basit 1995).

According to the Forest Department the annual production during 1991 to 1992 and 1992 to 1993 was 74 583 and 75 600 tonnes respectively. The present average annual production of golpatta leaves is about 75 600 tonnes. The estimated productive area of golpatta in the Sundarbans forest is about 595 739 ha (Basit 1995). Some researchers have reported the species to be endangered.

After golpatta, the hantal palm (Phoenix paludosa) is the next most important palm in the Sundarbans. Hantal is a small, clump-forming erect palm. It is a valuable material for villagers near the Sundarbans. Stems are harvested and used as purlins and rafters for village houses, as posts for trellises for growing betel le af, and for animal shelters and fencing. The leaves are used in the making of walls for houses and other shelters (Basit 1995).

Table 2. Hantal production and revenue

Year

Production (MT)

Revenue (taka)

1990–91

6.7

334 400

1989–90

7.2

339 100

1988–89

8.3

223 400

1987–88

7.8

210 200

1986–87

6.1

170 200

1985–86

5.4

142 400

1984–85

8.9

38 700

1983–84

6.8

33 100

1982–83

5.7

24 200

1981–82

4.7

21 500

1980–81

6.2

24 700

Source: Basit (1995)

 

Sungrass (Imperata spp.) is the most common roofing and thatching material for temporary low-cost housing in the villages and forests of Bangladesh. Sungrass grows naturally, especially in the forests of low-lying areas, or around the denuded and barren hills that are unfit for growing high-quality timber trees (Khan 1994). Green sungrass is used locally as fodder.

Murta (pati pata) (Clinogynae dichotoma) grows naturally in the low-lying areas of Sylhet and also in rural areas of Tagail and Dhaka districts. It can be grown artificially in other areas of the country using suitable planting material. Pati pata is an excellent material for floor mats and woven utensils, and is used extensively by the rich and poor alike. Finished products are exported (Khan 1994).

Hogla (Typha elephantina Roxb.) leaves are woven into mats that are used for beds, to dry crops on and for prayer mats. They are also used for making storage containers and hut walls. The young succulent leaves are a palatable forage crop for animals. Hogla pollen grains are collected and sold in the markets or used to make home-made cakes (Basit 1995). The value of murta and hogla production together was Tk.8.3 million in 1992.

Although bamboo (e.g. Melocanna baccifera, Bambusa tulda) is grouped officially as an MFP, it plays a crucial role in the rural economy of Bangladesh. Over 20 species of bamboo grow in Bangladesh's natural forests and village homesteads. Bamboo is used for hundreds of purposes and it is an essential material for the construction of temporary housing for rural people, especially hilltribes (Khan 1994).

Table 3. Production of bamboo in Bangladesh

Year

Quantity (1 000 culms)

1975–76

47 268

1976–77

62 579

1977–78

73 586

1978–79

60 135

1979–80

78 115

1980–81

74 028

1981–82

77 865

1982–83

92 335

1983–84

92 061

1984–85

76 989

1985–86

75 786

1986–87

92 616

Source: Khan (1994)

Rattan (Calamus viminalis, C. guruba) is a climbing palm grown in homesteads and the low-lying areas of reserved forests. Canes are used for domestic purposes by the rural population and for processing into more sophisticated furniture and luxury souvenirs that are suitable for export (Khan 1994).

In Bangladesh, MFP also includes stones, gravel and sand extraction in forests. Stone is one of the most important MFP, and is available only in some areas of Bangladesh, such as Sylhet, Hill Tracts and Dinajpur. Stone is required for the construction of highways, buildings and other infrastructural needs. In Dinajpur alone, there is an estimated deposit of 115 million cubic feet of hardstone. The Government of Bangladesh earns substantial revenue from the sale of stone (Khan 1994).

 

ANIMALS AND ANIMAL PRODUCTS

Honey and beeswax

Honey and beeswax are important NWFP in the mangrove forests. Honey and pollen are used as medicines, high-energy food and as a source of vitamins and minerals. Honey is collected using the traditional method, which uses fire or smoke to drive away the bees, and in the process destroys the queen and the brood. The honey is sold to processors in nearby communities (Basit 1995).

The collector's selling price is Tk.20 (US$0.50)/kg. Processed honey sells for Tk.80 (US$2.00). Honey and beeswax collection, although a very risky job, continues to provide a seasonal source of income. An average of 2 640 collectors harvest honey and beeswax from the mangrove forests of the Sundarbans (Basit 1995).

Table 4. Sundarbans honey and beeswax production and revenue

Year

Honey (MT)

Honey revenue (taka)

Beeswax (MT)

Beeswax revenue (taka)

1990–91

211.27

536 400

52.8

211 200

1989–90

146.55

620 280

36.5

195 400

1988–89

99.45

84 560

24.9

39 840

1987–88

223.31

178 650

55.8

89 280

1986–87

229.11

183 930

57.5

92 040

1985–86

224.52

180 450

56.4

89 220

1984–85

255.80

102 800

64.2

51 390

1983–84

260.35

114 610

65.4

52 360

1982–83

232.65

93 460

58.12

46 730

1981–82

225.26

107 050

53.92

53 520

1980–81

310.93

120 450

75.03

60 030

Source: Divisional Forest Office, Sundarbans, Forest Department (in Basit [1995])

Honey is probably the most promising NWFP in Bangladesh in terms of export potential provided its production can be organized in a better fashion (Khan 1994). Honey is produced from the forest regions of the Sundarbans, Chittagong, Sylhet, Cox's Bazar and Mymensingh. Recently, apiculture has been introduced in some areas of north Bengal and Mymensingh District with considerable success (Khan 1994).

Other animal products

Fishing and shell collection within the mangroves are controlled by the Forest Department, and for a long time have been considered to be extremely valuable forest produce in the Sundarbans. Fish, prawns, shells and other fishery resources abound in the rivers and water systems within the Sundarbans and serve as a major source of food and employment, as well as providing revenue for the government (Basit 1995). Recently the cultivation of Bagda shrimp has revolutionized fish harvesting in the Sundarbans. From 1990 to 1991, 4 821.4 tonnes of fish were harvested (Alam 1992; Salamat 1994).

Some 67 000 boats crewed by 165 000 fishermen annually visit the Sundarbans mangroves and fish for their livelihoods. Recent data reveal that the collection of "seed" prawns involves about 25 000 men, women and children. Shell collection also contributes to the employment of young boys and girls. The number of shell collectors increases during the winter tourist season (Basit 1995).

Table 5. Economic value/revenue of fishery resources of Sundarbans mangroves

Product

Economic value

Revenue

1987–88

Revenue

1991–92

Revenue

1992–93

Reference

Fish, prawns and shells

Tk.666.4 million

Fish, shrimps and crabs

Tk.7 437 815

Tk.16 210 499

Shell lime and molluscs

Tk.93 390

Fish extraction

297 520 MT

615 122 MT

Bagda shrimp seedlings

14 104 800 (number) Tk.519 432

110 321 383 (number)

Tk.4 332 993

Oyster extraction

2 454 MT, Tk.48 213

3 652 MT Tk.141 45

Islam 1992

Fiddler’s crab extraction

4 million kg

Mud crab extraction

1 million kg

Ali 1994

Shells (conch etc.) are collected in large numbers in the coastal forest belts of Cox’s Bazar, Taknaf, Moheskhali, Berisal, Patuakhali and Sundarbans. This activity provides local income from their retail to tourists as souvenirs. Some of these products are exported.

 

REFERENCES

Alam, A.M.M. Nurul. 1992. Revised draft working plan of the Sundarbans forest division, by Zillur Rahman, DFO, W.P. Division, Dhaka.

Ali, S.S. 1994. Sundarban: its resources and ecosystem. Paper presented at the National Seminar on Integrated Management of Ganges Flood Plains and Sundarban Ecosystem, 16–18 July, 1994.

Basit, M.A. 1995. Non-wood forest products from the mangrove forests of Bangladesh. In P.B. Durst & A. Bishop, eds. Beyond timber: social, economic and cultural dimensions of non-wood forest products in Asia and the Pacific. RAP Publication 1995/13. Bangkok, FAO, Regional Office for Asia and Pacific.

Hussain, K.Z. 1986. Presidental Address. Eleventh Annual Bangladesh Science Conference. University of Rajshahi.

Islam, M.A. 1992. Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh. Some relevant information about Sundarbans. Bangladesh, Sundarbans Forest Division.

Khan, A.S. 1994. Bangladesh: non-wood forest products in Asia, pp. 1–8. Bangkok, FAO, Regional Office for Asia and Pacific.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

This report has been realized within the framework of the EU-FAO Partnership Programme "Sustainable Forest Management in Asia". The contents are based on available information at FAO headquarters in Rome, as well as on a report provided by Dr M.P. Shiva, Centre of Minor Forest Products, Indirapuram, Dehra Dun, India.

Additional information on NWFP in Bangladesh would be appreciated and duly acknowledged.

CONTACTS

Library of Centre of Minor Forest Products (COMFORPTS), Indirapuram, Dehra Dun, India.

Wildlife Institute of India, Chandrabani, Dehra Dun, India.

Dr M. Mohiuddin, Director, Institute of Forestry & Environmental Sciences, University of Chittagong, Bangladesh.

Chief Conservator of Forests, Dhaka, Bangladesh.

ANNEX 1. FOREST SERVICES

The actual level of tourism has remained low, underscored by figures which indicate that less than 10 000 visitors entered the country in 1992. Domestic tourism on the other hand appears to be a strongly growing sector of the market and it is believed widely that emphasis should be placed on the development of this sector to increase the country’s share of international tourism. The main tourist attractions in Bangladesh include the Sundarbans mangroves for wildlife photography, touring the mangrove forest, boating, and meeting local fishermen, woodcutters and honey collectors. The Sundarbans is the natural habitat of the world-famous Bengal tiger, spotted deer, crocodiles, jungle fowl, wild boar, lizards, rhesus monkeys and a great variety of birds. Boats are the only means of transportation inside the forest. There are no roads (Basit 1995). Three types of protected areas are defined in the Bangladesh Wildlife Preservation Act (1974): Wildlife Sanctuary, National Park and Game Reserve (Hussain 1986).

Table 6. Wildlife Sanctuaries (WS), National Parks (NP) and Game Reserves (GR)

Name

Area (ha)

Established/

notification

Purpose

Sundarbans (WS)

16 065

-

To preserve breeding habitats

Sundarbans East (WS)

5 439

1960/1977

To preserve the Bengal Tiger (Panthera tigris) and its habitats

Sundarbans South (WS)

17 878

-/1977

 

Sundarbans West (WS)

9 069

-/1977

 

Rema-Kalenga (WS)

1 095

-/1981

To preserve existing fauna and flora in the area

Char Kukri-Mukri (WS)

40

-/1981

To preserve existing habitats used by local and migratory birds

Pablakhali (WS)

42 087

1962/1983

To preserve fauna and habitats for white-winged wood duck (Cairina scutulata)

Hail Haor (WS)

1 427

-

To preserve habitats for migratory ducks

Rampahar-Sitapur (WS)

3 026

-

To preserve local fauna and habitats

Hazarikhal (WS)

2 909

-

 

Chunati, Chittagong (WS) (proposed)

19 177 (acres)

-

 

Dulahazara, Cox’s Bazar (WS) (proposed)

3 950 (acres)

-

 

Khagrachari (WS) (proposed)

 

-

To preserve the Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) and its habitats.

Himchuri (NP)

1 729

-/1980

To preserve fauna and habitats as well as to provide facilities for research, education and recreation

Bhawal (NP)

5 022

1974/1982

To preserve and develop habitats and provide facilities for research, education and recreation

Madhupur (NP)

8 436

1962/1982

 

Ramsagar (NP)

52

1960/1974

 

Teknaf (GR)

11 615

1960/1983

To preserve the Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) and its habitats.

Source: Hussain (1986)

QUANTITATIVE NWFP DATA OF BANGLADESH

Product

Resource

Economic value

 

Category

Import-ance

Trade name

Generic term

Species

Part used

Habitat

Source

Desti-nation

Quantity, value

Remarks

References

 

1, 2, 3

     

F, P, O

W, C

N, I

     

Plants and plant products

Food

 

Fruits

       

N, I

Export (primary products) of Tk.50.71 million in 1992–93

 

Bangladesh Export Statistics 1992–93

Dyeing, tanning

Catechu

Economic value of catechu: Tk.77 million in 1992 (outside

Sundarbans)

Mangrove bark

ba

About 10 000 MT of mangrove bark are estimated to be available at the felling coups in Sundarbans

Utensils, handicrafts, construction materials

Golpatta

Nypa fruticans

1990–91: 2.63 million

kg, revenue Tk.5.8 million

Annual production in 1992–93 of 75 600 MT

About 19 200 people p/a collect golpatta fronds and market them

Annual demand: (roofing) 68 800 MT; (walling) 4 400 MT; (animal shelters) 1 900 MT

Estimated productive area in Sundarbans about 595 739 ha

Basit 1995;

Bangladesh Forest Department

Hantal

Phoenix paludosa

Economic value of hantal for housing about Tk.2.40 million in 1992

1990–91: 6.7 MT, revenue Tk.334 400

About 2 400 people engaged p/a in production

Basit 1995

 

Product

Resource

Economic value

 

Category

Import-ance

Trade name

Generic term

Species

Part used

Habitat

Source

Desti-nation

Quantity, value

Remarks

References

 

1, 2, 3

     

F, P, O

W, C

N, I

     

Plants and plant products

Sungrass

Imperata spp.

Value: Tk.24 million in 1992 (outside Sundarbans)

1 710 000 bundles in 1986–87

Statistical Yearbook of Bangladesh 1989

Murta and hogla

Clinogynae dichotoma,

Typha elephantina Roxb

Combined production: Tk.8.3 million in 1992

Bamboo

Melocanna baccifera, Bambusa tulda, etc.

92 616 000 culms (1986-87)

Statistical Yearbook of Bangladesh 1989

Others

 

Stone

         

In Dinajpur estimated potential of 155 cubic feet of hardstone

 

Khan 1994

 

 

 

Product

Resource

Economic value

 

Category

Import-ance

Trade name

Generic term

Species

Part used

Habitat

Source

Desti-nation

Quantity, value

Remarks

References

 

1, 2, 3

     

F, P, O

W, C

N, I

     

Animals and animal products

Honey, beeswax

Honey

1990-91: 211 27 MT, revenue Tk.536 400

Economic value of honey has been estimated at Tk.6.9 million (of which Tk.0.4299 million from Sundarbans)

Collector’s selling price: Tk.20/kg (US$0.50/kg), processor’s buying price Tk.50/kg (US$1.25/kg) Processed honey sold at Tk.80/kg (US$2.00/kg)

Basit 1995

Beeswax

1990-91: 52.8 MT, revenue Tk.211 200

Export of Tk.0.28 million (1991–92)

Basit 1995

Other edible animal products

 

Fish resources

         

1990-91: 4 821.4 MT of fish harvested

Economic value of fish, prawns and shells: Tk.666.4 million

Revenue from fish, shrimps and crabs: Tk.7 437 815 (1987–88) and Tk.16 210 499 (1992–93)

Oyster revenue: Tk.48 213 (1987–88) and Tk.141 458 (1991–92)

Shell lime and mollusc revenue: Tk.693 390 (1992–93)

Fish extraction: 297 520 MT (1987–88) and 615 122 MT (1992–93)

Oyster extraction: 2 454 MT (Tk.48 213) in 1987–88, 3 652 MT (Tk.141 45) in 1991–92

Fiddler’s crab extraction: 4 million kg (1991–92)

Mud crab extraction: 1 million kg (1991–92)

An average of 165 270 fishermen fish the Sundarbans

Bagda shrimp seedlings: 14 104 800 pcs., value, Tk.519 432 (1987–88) and 110 321 393 pcs., value, Tk.4 332 993 (1991–92)

Alam 1992;

Salamat 1994;

Basit 1995;

Islam 1992;

Ali 1994

Hides, skins

 

Leather goods

         

Value of production (1985–86): Tk.78 49 million

   

Importance: 1– high importance at the national level; 2 – high importance at the local/regional level; 3 – low importance

Parts used: an – whole animal; ba – bark; bw – beeswax; le – leaves; nu – nuts; fi – fibres; fl – flowers; fr – fruits; gu – gums;

ho – honey; la – latex; oi – oil; pl – whole plant; re – resins; ro – roots; sa – sap; se – seeds; st – stem; ta – tannins

Habitat: F – natural forest or other wooded lands; P – plantation; O – trees outside forests (e.g. agroforestry, home gardens)

Source: W – wild, C – cultivated

Destination: N – national; I – international

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