BANGLADESH
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) |
|
199192 |
199293 |
|
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 (198697) |
3.7 |
- |
5. Plants and parts for pharmacy (198697) |
0.28 |
- |
6. Plants for insecticides and fungicides (198697) |
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 (19921993), 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).
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 leafs 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) |
199091 |
6.7 |
334 400 |
198990 |
7.2 |
339 100 |
198889 |
8.3 |
223 400 |
198788 |
7.8 |
210 200 |
198687 |
6.1 |
170 200 |
198586 |
5.4 |
142 400 |
198485 |
8.9 |
38 700 |
198384 |
6.8 |
33 100 |
198283 |
5.7 |
24 200 |
198182 |
4.7 |
21 500 |
198081 |
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) |
197576 |
47 268 |
197677 |
62 579 |
197778 |
73 586 |
197879 |
60 135 |
197980 |
78 115 |
198081 |
74 028 |
198182 |
77 865 |
198283 |
92 335 |
198384 |
92 061 |
198485 |
76 989 |
198586 |
75 786 |
198687 |
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).
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) |
199091 |
211.27 |
536 400 |
52.8 |
211 200 |
198990 |
146.55 |
620 280 |
36.5 |
195 400 |
198889 |
99.45 |
84 560 |
24.9 |
39 840 |
198788 |
223.31 |
178 650 |
55.8 |
89 280 |
198687 |
229.11 |
183 930 |
57.5 |
92 040 |
198586 |
224.52 |
180 450 |
56.4 |
89 220 |
198485 |
255.80 |
102 800 |
64.2 |
51 390 |
198384 |
260.35 |
114 610 |
65.4 |
52 360 |
198283 |
232.65 |
93 460 |
58.12 |
46 730 |
198182 |
225.26 |
107 050 |
53.92 |
53 520 |
198081 |
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 198788 |
Revenue 199192 |
Revenue 199293 |
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 |
||
Fiddlers 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 Coxs 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.
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, 1618 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 Peoples Republic of Bangladesh. Some relevant information about Sundarbans. Bangladesh, Sundarbans Forest Division.
Khan, A.S. 1994. Bangladesh: non-wood forest products in Asia, pp. 18. Bangkok, FAO, Regional Office for Asia and Pacific.
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.
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.
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 countrys 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, Coxs 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. |
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 199293 |
Bangladesh Export Statistics 199293 |
||||||
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 |
199091: 2.63 million kg, revenue Tk.5.8 million Annual production in 199293 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 199091: 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 198687 |
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) |
Collectors selling price: Tk.20/kg (US$0.50/kg), processors 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 (199192) |
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 (198788) and Tk.16 210 499 (199293) Oyster revenue: Tk.48 213 (198788) and Tk.141 458 (199192) Shell lime and mollusc revenue: Tk.693 390 (199293) Fish extraction: 297 520 MT (198788) and 615 122 MT (199293) Oyster extraction: 2 454 MT (Tk.48 213) in 198788, 3 652 MT (Tk.141 45) in 199192 Fiddlers crab extraction: 4 million kg (199192) Mud crab extraction: 1 million kg (199192) |
An average of 165 270 fishermen fish the Sundarbans Bagda shrimp seedlings: 14 104 800 pcs., value, Tk.519 432 (198788) and 110 321 393 pcs., value, Tk.4 332 993 (199192) |
Alam 1992; Salamat 1994; Basit 1995; Islam 1992; Ali 1994 |
||||||
Hides, skins |
Leather goods |
Value of production (198586): 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