AGA KHAN RURAL SUPPORT PROGRAMME
AKRSP/UMB HIGH ALTITUDE INTEGRATED NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PROJECT
Thalley Valley Baseline Survey
Preliminary Report Khaplu Workshop 2004
Prepared by: Nazir Ahmad and Ingrid Nyborg
Thalley Valley Baseline Survey
Preliminary Report Khaplu Workshop 2004
Prepared by: Nazir Ahmad and Ingrid Nyborg
With contributions from:
Nazir Ahmad Ingrid Nyborg Håvard Steinsholt Ghulam Mohammad
Gulcheen Aqil Shabana Aga Syed Ali Muhammad Abbas
Mukhtar Ahmad Tahir Zubaida Cosmos
Ghulam Raza Sher Kahn
TABLEOF CONTENTS
SECTION-I INTRODUCTION...4
1.1THE BASELINE SURVEYS IN THALLEY...4
1.1.1 Methodology of the 2004 survey ...5
1.1.2 Gender representation in the sample ...5
1.1.3 Data processing and analysis ...5
1.2 DESCRIPTIONOFTHEREGION ...6
1.2.1 Study Area...6
1.2.2 Brief Description of Thalley Valley ...7
SECTION-II ANALYSIS OF THE BASELINE STUDY RESULTS ...9
2.1 OVERALLRESULTS...9
2.1.1 Gender Related Issues ...9
2.1.2 Age of Respondents...9
2.1.3 Education of Respondents...10
2.1.4 Occupation of the household head...10
2.1.5 Agriculture...11
2.1.6 Land size ...12
2.2 EFFECTIVECOMMUNITYBASEDLANDMANAGEMENT ...14
2.3 ANIMALMANAGEMENT...21
2.4 FORESTREGENERATIONANDMANAGEMENT...23
2.4.1 Plantation of Forest trees ...23
2.4.2 Alternative Energy Sources...24
2.4.2.1 Wood Consumption from Farm forest ... 25
2.4.2.2 Fuel Consumption From Common Resources... 27
2.4.2.3 Expenses ... 32
APPENDIX 2 ...44
OTHER ACTIVITIES CARRIED OUT IN CONNECTION WITH THE AKRSP/UMB COLLABORATION DURING THE SECOND PHASE (TO DATE) ...44
EXPOSURE TRIP TO NORWAY...45
ORGANIC FARMING ...46
SECTION-I INTRODUCTION
Since 1997, the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (UMB)1 and Aga Khan Rural Support Program (AKRSP), Baltistan, have been conducting collaborative research under the High Altitude Integrated Natural Resource Management (HAINRM) Program2. Supported by Norad, this interdisciplinary research program has brought together researchers and practitioners to investigate in detail how women and men of the Northern Areas manage their natural resources in order to secure livelihoods for their families. It is hoped that by better understanding the lives of the women and men of the region in terms of their social and cultural norms, local institutions and management systems, and their political context, this research can contribute to new ideas on how to improve livelihoods in the region, through practical activities as well as contributions to policy.
The first phase of the HAINRM research was conducted in Basho Valley, Skardu District. The results of this research are reported in various project reports, scientific articles, and MSc and PhD theses. The second phase of the research has taken Thalley Valley, Ganche District, as the main field area. These two areas are quite different in terms of resource base, population size, and socio-cultural context, and will, in the course of the research program, allow for interesting comparisons.
The current report presents preliminary results from the baseline information collected in Thalley Valley in 2004, and as such should be seen as the very first step in process of analysis of the data. It thus forms a base from which further investigation, analysis and theme-oriented reports will develop. Its purpose is thus to provide initial food for thought, and encourage the researchers and practitioners involved, as well as others, to take the many issues touched upon here further in their work.
1.1 THE BASELINE SURVEYS IN THALLEY
In initiating the research in Thalley Valley, several surveys were conducted in order to provide baseline information on the valley and its population, in terms of social conditions, gender differences, natural resource management and livelihoods. The first survey was in connection with Dr. Muhammad Abbas’ MSc fieldwork in 2002, the second in connection with Gulcheen Aqil’s MSc fieldwork in 2004, and the third was a general survey coordinated by Ghulam Mohammad, UMB project coordinator in 2004. Although the different surveys had somewhat different methodologies and sampling, together they will provide a comprehensive initial picture of life and livelihoods in Thalley Valley
In this report, the quantitative data presented will be mainly from the 2004 survey. When data and findings from the other surveys are used to complement this data this will be specified.
1 Previously known as the Agricultural University of Norway (NLH)
2 See Annex 1 for a brief presentation of the HAINRM project. For more detailed information on the HAINRM project’s activities and results, please refer to the End of Project Report (UMB/AKRSP).
Information from qualitative interviews of groups and individuals conducted in connection with the quantitative survey by different team members on various topics are also included to a certain extent. In addition, secondary information was gathered from the AKRSP Khaplu office, which included internal reports and information compiled since 1987, and meetings were conducted with the Area Manager.
1.1.1 Methodology of the 2004 survey
In preparation for the 2004 survey, a workshop was held in Khaplu in 2003, where AKRSP staff and UMB researchers defined aims and objectives of the components (see Appendix 1). The participants were divided into different groups, planned the research using an LFA format, and presented to each other for discussion and comments. The questionnaire was then sent to the UMB researchers for comments and suggestions for additional questions. Also, secondary information was gathered from Khaplu office and through meetings with the Area Manager Khaplu. AKRSP internal papers and Aga Khan Rural Support Programme since the commencement of Programme 1987 has published evaluated and gather the secondary data from these papers.
To conduct the survey, enumerators were interviewed and hired, and 16 Degree College students were also invited to join and observe the survey process to give them insight into the conditions in the area. The seven chosen enumerators were given training for one week on to how to conduct the base line survey. The survey was conducted over a two-week period. From each of the seven villages3, households were chosen according to land size, with households representing those with the most land, those with average land size, and those with the least land size being included in the sample. From a total of 713 households in Thalley Valley, 211 were interviewed (30% of the total).
1.1.2 Gender representation in the sample
While it was originally intended that a separate survey be given to men and women of the valley, only one survey was actually conducted. The following table shows that most of the respondents were men; out of 211 respondents only 9 were women. This shows that the data has a gender bias. According to the data the nine women who responded were either widows or their husbands were not present in the village. In many cases, however, information was given by the women of the household, especially about vegetables and marriages.
1.1.3 Data processing and analysis
Data from the 2004 survey was coded and entered into Excel for simple, descriptive statistical analysis. A five-day workshop with the UMB and AKRSP staff was then conducted in Khapolu
3 The valley has a total of 15 smaller villages, which belong to 7 strangskull (headed by a numbardar), which are functional, larger local administrative areas. The survey data is organized around the strangskull, which we term villages in this report.
where the data was presented in table form and a preliminary analysis was conducted, followed by a one-day summing up meeting with staff in Skardu to discuss the way forward.
In addition to conducting the baseline study, several other activities were carried out in Thalley connected to the AKRSP/UMB collaboration, which are mentioned in Appendix 2.
1.2 DESCRIPTION OF THE REGION
Baltistan is situated between Karakorum & Himalaya ranges in the northern Pakistan. The Chinese Sin kiang is in its North, Indian Laddakh in the East, Kashmir in the South and Hanukahs & Silk route in the West. Baltistan is a remote high altitude region with valleys at an altitude of 2000-3200 meters, covering 30,000 sq km. three fourth of the region is covered by mountains & glaciers. Baltistan has been divided into two districts, Skardu & Khaplu that encompass 340 villages in total. Some of the world’s tallest mountain peaks (K-2 and Mashabrum series) and big glaciers like Siachen (with a length of 72 km) lie in the region.
Geologically Baltistan can be regarded as a high altitude desert, bisected by the mighty Indus River. Baltistan is an area of extreme geographical landscapes. Summers are pleasant with strong winds sweeping across the Indus valley, mean maximum temperature 17-19 º C (UNEP Environment Assessment Programme for Asia and the Pacific), while winters are harsh and cold mean minimum temperature 0 º C to -10 º C, (UNEP Environment Assessment Programme for Asia and the Pacific) leaving the region isolated and mostly snowbound. The mean annual rainfall is less than 250 mm.
Natural resources of the region are glaciers, land, communal pastures, forest, livestock, and wildlife. Glaciers are rich source of drinking and irrigation water for the local people. Land (mostly terraced) is used for raising staple crops, fruit trees, and vegetables. Pastures of Baltistan, owned by the local community at different elevations are major sources of fodder for livestock in summer season. These pastures are also rich in medicinal and aromatic plants.
Forests are the major source of fuel and timber for the locals. Livestock plays vital role for the sustenance of local community, providing them with milk, meat, fibre, hides and dung as manure.
Thalley valley is mostly surrounded by dry mountains of the Karakorum Range with lush green natural pastures owned by the community. The mountain peaks are covered with snow throughout the year and is a good source of water for the local inhabitants of the valley. At the top of the valley is a “Broq” (high altitude pasture that is the community’s summer retreat) with terraced fields. Cultivation here starts early in summer due to low temperature and high altitude.
There are fewer forest and farm forest trees in the pasture. Crops are grown organically during the short season and are a source of subsistence except for potato, which is an income-generating crop. Income from potato, however, totally depends upon the down country market where the rates fluctuate according to the supply and demand.
1.2.1 Study Area
The site selected of Basho Valley for the first phase research was based on presence of alpine pastures, interest of Basho community and easy access from the major town Skardu. The reasons for the selection of Thalley Valley for the second phase were:
Ecological significance and biodiversity of the area
Demand from people of Ghanche
Easy excess from both the district head quarters (Khaplu and Skardu)
People are cooperative and have showed their willingness for cooperation in research activity in the valley
Presence of diverse climatic zones from riverbed to the alpine pastures
Existence of multi system of natural resource management i.e. pure indigenous management systems for pasture, livestock management.
1.2.2 Brief Description of Thalley Valley
Thalley is a lush green valley with a scenic beauty, having full bloom of apricot in mid April and of buckwheat in late summer, with diverse landscape and traditional farming system along the nallah. It is situated in the north of Baltistan in an ecologically significant area; just fifty kilometers away from the district headquarter Khaplu of Ghanche District. Ghanche district hosts some of the World’s highest peaks and is the starting point for hiking and mountain climbing treks including K2, 28750 feet above sea level (Nyborg, 20024). The valley watershed feeds ten villages having a population of 5360 and 670 households. The valley is also famous for its traditional farming, yak breeding and lush green high pastures. The local farming community is not accustomed to modern farming techniques and methods like pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, growth regulators and genetically modified organisms (GMO’s). The local farmers prefer to use organic fertilizers and do not use chemicals as they are not economical for them, as farming is carried out at small scale in small fields. Hence the environment is considered more suitable and advantageous for organic farming, especially in the upper parts of the valley. The first village of the valley is Bordass, 2800 m above sea level while Khasumic, the last human settlement of the valley is located at an altitude of 3300 m above sea level (Abbas, 20035).
Climatically the valley can be divided into three zones i.e. the upper most villages fall in single cropping zones while the villages in the middle and the villages near to the River Sheyok lie in transitional and double cropping zones respectively. Average rainfall is between 100 to 200 mm/year.
Majority of the people are engaged in agriculture sector and their livelihood is directly or indirectly dependent on it. One of the main features of the valley is that it has fertile lands, with abundant supply of irrigation water and organic fertilizers. Wheat, potato, barley and buckwheat are the major cereal crops. It is pertinent to mention here that all villages have their own local institutional setup to deal with commons, livestock movements and dispute settlement etc.
Several varieties of fruits and vegetables are also grown traditionally. Apricot and walnut are
4 Nyborg, Ingrid, L.P. 2002. Yors Today, Mine Tomorrow? A study of women and men’s negotiations over resources in Baltistan, Pakistan. Noragric PhD Dissertation no. 1
5 Abbas, Muhammad, 2003. Indigenous yak-cow cross breeding in Baltistan. Noragric MSc thesis.
commonly found there. Walnut has a great potential for marketing as a dry fruit. Potato has been playing an important role in the household economy as cash crop for the last couple of years.
Now, some of the farmers have started potato production at high altitudes in their summer settlements (Broq). Potato crop production under such climatic conditions may also attract national as well as international markets for its organically pure product and disease free seeds.
The main vegetables are turnip, spinach and peas.
The study area is quit rich in wild life but detailed survey would clarify their population status in the region. Almost all types of wild animals and birds of the Northern Areas are known to be found in the valley. Among these are Asiatic ibex (Capra ibex sibirica), Snow leopard (Panthera uncia), and wolf (Canis lumpus), are commonly found. Common birds include chakor partridge (Alectoris chukar), and Jungle crow (Corvus machrohynchos). But the identification of their hot spots and population status in the region needs to be identified as reliable data is not available.
People are very keen to protect wildlife through their traditional set up and want to reap economic benefits from it through trophy hunting and promotion of tourism in the area. The valley is also famous for the presence of wild medicinal and aromatic plants. These lush green pastures serve as a habitat for these highly valuable medicinal plants.
There are total ten villages in the valley with six Trangscals along the Thalley Nallah. The last village of the valley immediate after the broq is Khasumik with 43 households, Daltir with 121 households, Baltoro with 124 households, Thaghari with 60 households, Yarkhor with 104 households, Chundu with 106 households, Harangus with 112 households.
AKRSP has been working with the people of the area since its inception in Baltistan (1986) to improve their livelihoods. So far more or less 15 medium sized infrastructure projects have been initiated and completed in the valley; most of them are irrigation channels. There are 16 village organizations and 19 women organizations representing the nine villages of the valley.
The disadvantage of the valley is its scarcity in natural forest. But it is confirmed by the local inhabitants that the valley was rich in natural forest, long ago which depleted totally with time.
According to them there is a big potential for man made forest and farm forestry. Thus the valley is ideal for comparative studies of local socio economic and modern systems keeping in view the gender’s role under both the systems.
SECTION-II ANALYSIS OF THE BASELINE STUDY RESULTS
2.1 OVER ALL RESULTS 2.1.1 Gender Related Issues
Baltistan is a male dominated society and for centuries men are the main resources holder and decision maker at the household level as well as at the community level. Women are considered as workforce for the household and it is also a common understanding that women have less information about household assists especially cash income and expenses. This ratio of men/women respondent shows that women have less information about their household and the community which is a sort of poverty in terms of lack of knowledge and communication. Thus this comparison gives a clear understanding that women are marginalized not only in terms of owning resources but also having proper information about their assists and community affairs.
Table: Sex of respondent in Thalley valley
Sex Upper Middle Lower Total
Female 1 8 0 9
Male 47 138 17 202
Total 48 146 17 211
The table shows that most of the respondents for Base Line Survey were men, out of 211 respondents only 9 were women. In the lower villages, not a single woman responded while in upper villages only one woman was interviewed. This shows that the data was gender biased, however, according to the overall survey methodology the household heads were given preferences for interview, since most of the household heads are men therefore, the ratio of women respondent is very low. According to the data, the responding nine women are the household head, either they are widows or their husbands are not present in the village. In many cases information were given by the women of the household especially about vegetables and marriages but in the responded list the name of the household head has been mentioned.
2.1.2 Age of Respondents
Age has a significant role in the community life of the region. Elders are considered as more knowledgeable and reliable source of information. Given the household structure the elders have the decision making power about household and community matters. In most of the households elders have the full authority regarding usage of resources and they even do not bother to seek advice from the young educated members. Nowadays, young generation are mainly engage in acquiring education or doing services or other non farm activities, therefore, most of the elder people are involve in agriculture as they do not have opportunity of non farm activities as most of them are illiterate. In the past the education was not common therefore, all the household members were engage in the farming and everybody was aware of their household resources but now the information gape between generation is widen which creates differences between
generation about use of resources and their utilization. Thus given this information gape between generations most the data were collected from the agriculture working age group, as the following table shows.
Table: Age of respondent of Thalley valley.
Age Below 20 21-30 31-60 above 60 Total
Upper 0 8 34 6 48
Middle 6 14 106 20 146
Lower 0 1 15 1 17
Total 6 23 155 27 211
The table describes that a big portion of the respondent was from the age group of 31-60 years.
This group is the main working group having most of information about their own household and the community. In the Middle villages six respondents belong to the age group of below 20, they are mainly orphan households without elder in the house and those where elders were not available.
2.1.3 Education of Respondents
Education is one of the most important issues for sustainable agriculture and livelihood. In the valley our survey shows that most of the respondents were illiterate. Out of 211 respondents only 50 were educated, among them 50% respondent were only primary educated while only 5 of them were graduates (BLS-2004). According the survey report majority of the illiterate group were in middle valley on the other hand the ratio of educated respondent is more or less same in upper and lower valleys. This result shows that majority of the household were belonging to illiterate category which ultimately affects the management of natural resources in a negative sense. As the local farmers are non familiar with the advancements and new technologies and the farming practices are not under a sustainable way.
Table: Education of the respondents of Thalley valley
Education Illiterate Primary Middle Matric Inter Graduate Masters
Upper 39 3 0 3 2 1 0
Middle 113 15 6 2 6 2 2
Lower 9 7 0 0 1 0
Total 161 25 6 5 9 3 2
2.1.4 Occupation of the household head
Baltistan region is considered as a subsistence farming society owning a few kanals of land and a small mix-herd of animals. In the past the majority belong to only farming since there was less opportunity of other occupations except village level skilled works such as blacksmith. Although there is a range of other occupations have been merged into the rural society however farming is still considered as major occupation of the people. Since the return from land does not enough for the growing population therefore, people are engaging themselves in other activities besides
farming. After farming, services of government and non governmental organizations and casual laboring are the major cash income sources of the people of Thalley. In Thalley occupation is link with the available resources such as opportunity of other occupations. Since in the middle and lower villages have more productive land thus a fair proportion of the household heads are either involved only in farming or in others activities. While in upper villages the land does not give required production therefore, the ratio of involvement in only farming, farming plus others and others are almost equal. This scenario gives a picture of vulnerability of the upper village where people are dependent on both farming and others occupations. Given the situation of the region where other occupations except government jobs are not considered as a permanent source of income. The following graphs describes that compared to the upper villages the household heads in middle and lower villages belong to a more secure, reliable (in comparative sense) and regular occupations which is farming.
2.1.5 Agriculture
Agriculture sector is the major sector where more than 90% people are dependent directly or indirectly for their sustenance. The sector affects their livelihood and life style in different manner. The average land holding size in the valley is 29.44 kanals per household. This figure includes all type of land such as barren land, pasture land, and cultivable land. The survey report shows that Thalley dwellers using their 40 % of land for crops, one percent for fruits, and 36 % of their lands are under pasture and 23 % lands are barren. The percentage of barren lands owned per household accounts 23%.
Major Crops
Major crop varieties cultivating there are Wheat, Barley, Potato, Maize and Buckwheat. The concept of commercial cropping was not much understood here at community level in the beginning.
The locals were cultivating these crops in rotation, while few vegetable crops and Buckwheat were being cultivated as a second crop in few villages of the valley particularly in lower villages where
climatic conditions suit for second crop. The base line survey indicates that 37 % of lands are under barley cultivation while 35 % of their lands are under potato cultivation. The later one is for commercial purposes. Area under wheat cultivation is only 18 %.
Total Land, 29.44
30 25 20
11.63 15
10.36
6.69 10
5 0 Crop
Total Land Pasture Barren
Average Land Holding Position per Household
Shift from Traditional Cropping to new Cropping System
The baseline survey analysis shows that the inhabitants of the valley are rapidly shifting their lands for cash crops. The dwellers of this area are usually cultivating 80% barley and 20% other crops before thirty years ago. But the trend of cultivating barley on majority of their land is now changing and more lands are under potato cultivation. The following chart shows that main crop
is potato which is 43% of a household cultivation; barley is cultivated by the 34% of household while wheat and buck-wheat by 13% and 10%
respectively by the households in the valley. These findings clearly indicate that the locals are shifting towards modern farming system with emphasis on cash cropping. Here it is noteworthy to mention that crop diversification concept must be understood by the local
community. So that the fertility of their land could be maintained and harness their production from limited resources.
Barley 34%
Wheat 13%
Potato 43%
Buck-wheat 10%
Vegetables & Pulses
Major vegetables grown in the valley are potato, turnip, peas, onion, cucumber, cauliflower, carrot and other small vegetables.
2.1.6 Land size
0 5 10 15 20 25 30
Cultiveable Land Grass Land Barren Total Land
Land Holding Kanals
Lower Middle Upper
Figure 2.1.6: Land holding Kanals
Lower Thalley
In lower Thalley, each household owns on average 12 kanals cultivable land, 14 Kanals pasture and 2 Kanals barren land. The percentage of land holding is categorized as cultivable land 42%, pasture land 50% and barren land 8% in lower valley. See figure 2.1.6 and 2.1.6.1.
Land holding in Lower Thalley
42%
50%
8%
Cultiveable Land Grass Land Barren
Figure 2.1.6.1: Percentage of Land Kanals in category wise in Lower Thalley.
Middle Thalley
In Middle Thalley average cultivable land holding size per household is 12 kanals, pasture 10 kanals and barren land 7 kanals. The percentage of land holding is categorized as cultivable land 41%, Pasture land 35% and barren land is 24% in middle valley recorded. See the figure 2.1.6 and 2.1.6.2.
Land holding size in Middle Thalley
24%
35%
41%
Cult iveable Land Gr ass Land Bar r en
Figure 2.1.6.2 Percentage of Land Kanals in category wise in middle Thalley.
Upper Thalley
In upper Thalley average cultivable land holding size per household is 11 kanals, pasture 9 kanals and barren land 8 kanals . The percentage of land holding is categorized as cultivable land 38%, Pasture land 34% and barren land is 28% in upper valley recorded. See figure 2.1.6 and 2.1.6.3.
Land holding size Upper T halley
34 %
2 8% 38 %
Cult iveab le Land Grass Land B arren
Figure 2.1.6.3 Percentage of Land Kanals in category wise in upper Thalley.
2.2 EFFECTIVE COMMUNITY BASED LAND MANAGEMENT
Effective community based land management is one of the research components for the second phase. The base line survey focused on this component as well.
Multi purpose Organizations & Institutions in Thalley valley
Various types of institutions and organizations are found in Thalley. These institutions and organizations have different structures and functions, their roles and approaches are also different. There are networks of local institutions, also working in this area for development and welfare but their effectiveness and efficiency can only be gauged through research, studies and evaluation. It is difficult to evaluate their effectiveness and popularity. Some of these institutions and organization are as:
o Nambardari system o Religious Institutions o Village Council o Union Council o Village Organization o Women Organization
o Cluster
o NGOs
o Valley Level Organization
Land Settlement according to Government Revenue Records
According to the Govt. record Thalley was settled in 1888, after 56 years in 1944 this area was resettled. According to that record the total area of Thalley is 12557.12 kanals. The settlement record shows that the land is divided into various types. These types of land, stated below are traditionally common in Ganche district, Baltistan.
Malging
This type of land is considered as the best type in terms of fertility and profitability. Non-fertile lands are totally excluded from this category. This land type is only found in the villages where the field is situated near the homes, free from shadow. Malging’s value is comparatively higher than other type of lands. According to the government record, Thalley had 3088 kanals and 9 marlas in the first settlement of 1888 and latter in the second settlement this land type decreased to 1105 kanal and 13 marlas due to erosion, population pressure & other infrastructures like roads and buildings etc.
Barsod
This is the second variety of fertile land. This means a land having medium type of fertility and productivity. Traditionally this type is considered as an intermediary type in terms of fertility and productivity. These types are also characterized according to the availability of water and accessibility from main roads and other important places like mosques, grounds and Govt.
buildings. This type of land increased in the second settlement of 1944 from 1172 kanals to 2476 kanals and 11 merlas in the valley.
Saguzar
This type of land is considered as less fertile land and its value is lower than the first two types.
Its fertility, productivity, accessibility from other places and water availability is not satisfactory.
These types of lands are sold in lower prices. In the first settlement these types of land were only 31 kanals and 15 merlas which increased in the second government settlement to 35 kanals and 18 merlas.
Daslochickpa
The land which is cultivated in alternate years due to poor fertility or lesser productivity is called
“Daslochickpa” in the region. In settlement of 1888 this type of land was 21 kanals and 8 marlas in the valley and in the second settlement of 1944 this type of land increased to 148 kanals and 12 merlas.
Daslonespa
The land which is left over for two consecutive years due to poor fertility or productivity and cultivated after that interval is called “Daslonespa”. This type of land is inferior to daslochickpa.
This type of land in 1888 was one kanal and 8 merlas and in 1944 it increased to 41 kanals and 16 merlas.
Aul
In Balti language pasture land is called as an “Aul”. Traditionally in Baltistan region unproductive land, usually mountain slopes, found mostly in Broqs, are allocated for fodders production. This type of land is the main sources of fodder for livestock and helps to control the soil erosion. In the settlement of 1888 there were 4558 kanals and 16 merals while in 1944 this increases to 5129 kanals and 17 merlas.
Land Use
Land use pattern in Thalley valley is totally different from other valleys of Baltistan. Area under cultivation and for the pastures is almost equal in the valley. While the ratio of barren lands to cultivated is also noteworthy here. These barren areas can be brought under cultivation if proper
attention is given to these cultivable lands which are 23 % of the total. The average land holding size is 29.44 kanals per household. This figure includes all type of lands such as barren, pasture, and cultivable lands. Research figures show that Thalley dwellers using their 40 % of land for crops, one percent for fruits, and 36 % of their land are under pasture and 23 % land is barren.
• Land Lease
Avg. Land Lease with in community
Material 74%
Free 5%
Money 21%
Land lease pattern is very common in the whole region. Usually those families which are deprived of manpower or are away from their villages give their land on lease. Also those who don’t have much land to get produce for their subsistence get manageable land from other land owners for different periods. Land lease pattern in the valley shows that 74 % land lease is on barter system. In ancient time people leased their lands
totally on barter system but now this pattern is changing. The base line survey shows that 21 % of land lease in the valley is through money, followed by 74% through materials and 5% free.
There are many reasons to give the land for free lease, the main reasons are to improve social network among the relatives, charity and spiritual satisfaction while those who cannot manage their land due to permanent or seasonal migration and/or due to financial matters, prefer to give their land for free.
• Land distribution
Land is distributed in the valley Commonly in three ways. Traditional methods of distribution dominates followed by Shariat and law respectively. Family separation is the main cause of land distribution where the head of the family decides to divide his land among his family members. In this way large families convert into small families, number of household increased and families became nuclear. Traditionally land
distribution process was carried out with the supervision of the family head and village elders but now-a-days this function is performed by village organisation’s office bearers or NGOs representatives with the help of village elders.
Land Distribution M ethods
Law 4%
Shariat 32%
Local Custom 64%
The base line surveys findings indicate that 64 % of lands are distributing in the valley are through local customs and traditions while 32% of the lands are distributed through the Islamic Law (Shariat) and 4% through the government rules.
Crop Varieties
Major crop varieties cultivated here are; Wheat, Barley, Potato, Maize and Buckwheat. The concept of commercial farming was not much understood here at community level in the beginning. The locals were cultivating crops in rotation, while few vegetables and Buckwheat were being cultivated as a second crop in few
villages of the valley particularly in lower villages where climatic conditions suit for second crop. The base line survey indicates that 37 % of land is under barley cultivation while 35 % of their land is under potato cultivation. The later one is for commercial purposes. Area under wheat cultivation is only 18 %.
Buckwheat and maze cultivation is 8 % and 2% respectively. These findings show that the trend of commercial cropping is now increasing with the inception of the AKRSP, where area under potato production for seed as well as for table potato is reasonably high.
The survey findings about the labour show that women folk mostly are engaged in the local farming system particularly for weeding, watering and application of farm yard manure. Number of days spent by the females for these practices are more than those for men. On the other hand, instead of lower labour rate for female, the average rate is more or less same for both the sexes.
Barley Potato
Wheat Buck-wheat Maze
Cr op Cultivation Tr ends in Thalley Valley
Land and Livelihood Consumption Livelihood consumption pattern from fertile land is very important to discuss here, as the community totally depends on agricultural produce. Majority of the products are consumed locally except for few ones like dried apricot and table potato.
The baseline survey findings clearly indicate that majority of the households, (54%) are fulfilling their daily livelihood requirement from agriculture
production for 10 to 12 months. While the remaining 8% of household’s necessities are accomplished for 7 to 9 month and 8% household’s necessities for 4 to 6 month, from agriculture. The poorest segments of the society (30%) fulfil their livelihood requirements from this sector for one to three months.
10 to 12 Month
54%
7 to 9 Month
8% Mon th4 to 6 8%
1 to 3 Month 30%
Average Agriculture Production Accomplishing Household Requirements
Number of fields cultivated
Data shows that the average number of fields cultivated per household in Thalley valley is 28.26.
This is very alarming figure because the dwellers of this valley have land in different villages and their high pasture is situated about ten to fifteen kilometers from villages. Above all, these facts and figures show that land distribution system is unfavorable for the inhabitants of this area.
They used to divide their land on land-fertility basis. for instance a joint family is intending to become a nuclear family and they have five brothers and thirty fields. The methods of division are to divide each field if this land on the basis of fertility. Therefore, the base-line survey shows that minimum average per household field size is 0.12 kanals and the average maximum field size is 1.27 kanal. This type of cultivation and land management is laborious and unproductive in harsh and severe cold climate.
Important Crop
In baseline survey a question was asked that “what was their important crop last year”? Out of two hundred and eleven households respondents 207 household heads answered the question.
Among those 159 households representing 76.81% of the households responded that their last important crop is barley. Potato was the second most important crop for the 44 household head representing 21.26% of the targeted population. Wheat was important crop for only 4 household heads representing 1.93% of the household. Although wheat is considered as the most important crop for livelihood in the context of Baltistan, the locals prefer straw of barley for their livestock to wheat straw during winter season. On the other hand, flour from the local market as well as from all government depots is easily available.
Migration and Land-use/management
Migration-in and migration-out always create positive and negative effects for land- development, land-use and land-management. Out migration from valley is 44.55.
Among these migrated families, the percentage of female migration from Thalley is only 7%
while 93% out migrants were male. This seasonal migration results in some positive impacts to the local in the sense that the energy requirement as well as other resources which are directly or indirectly used are saved due the temporary migration from the valley. Hence the stress due to population increase is lessened for a short period of time. Other advantageous effects due to out migration on household are:
• Increase in earning capacity of the migrated household in the shape of money;
• Awareness raising and awareness creation due to migration especially in down country
• Women social net-working increase because women have to participate in all social affairs and customs of the village;
• Women mobility increases because they have to perform all those duties which have to be performed by their male family members
• Skills and knowledge increases for seasonal migration, because the migrated person always works in those areas where they can expose to new environment and can earn more.
There are some negative effects of out-migration: It affects the women in the valley by increasing workload during the harsh weather conditions. They have to look after their family members, livestock, and have to participate in all social activities in absence of their household head and male members. As the females are not much experienced hence they face many problems.
Causes of Out Migration
The main reason behind the out migration to urban areas is due to unemployment and unavailability of other facilities like education, health, electricity and income generation. In Thalley valley, the main causes of out migration are:
Population increase according to the Govt. Census in Thallay valley
0 1000 2000 3000 4000 5000
1951 1961 1981 1998 Year
Population
Population
• Search of better education
• In search of job
• Better living standards
• Unemployment and
• Others
Land fragmentation during the last decade To document land fragmentation
process and its root causes few questions were also asked to the locals in this regard. The survey findings illustrate that majority of land fragmentations are due to family divisions with the increasing population. The population increase in the valley is indicated in the following figure.
indicates that it has doubled, which is alarming situation if the resources cant be managed accordingly. Land holding per household and cultivated area is decreasing with the increasing in population. The main causes of land fragmentation are family
division and over population, which force joint family to split into nuclear family.
1144
3594
435
0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000
Upper Middle Lower Valley
Population
Upper Middle Lower
According to baseline survey analysis in Thalley valley 38% of household’s land reduces due to family division. The second main component of land fragmentation is selling, which accounts for 25% of households which may be due to permanent migration to other villages or towns or cities
for education or for gaining urban facilities. Many people sell their lands when they face any financial problem like health expenditures on any family member for the accomplishment of traditional customs like wedding ceremony etc.
Population increase of the valley is satisfactory when compared to the population survey of Govt. census 1998 with BLS NLH/AKRSP. There is an increase of total 110.5 people per year in Thalley valley. 144 people are living in Upper valley, 3504 in middle and 435 in lower valley of Thalley.
Land decrease during the last decade The 13% of the populations’
land decreased during the last 10 years because of building houses. Mostly people prefer their house construction in new land because their old house is situated in the traditional and congested environment of their villages and extension is not possible or very expensive. The natural disaster such as land sliding, avalanches, mud- sliding and stone-sliding is common in the all of Northern Areas. In Thalley valley 24%
of populations have lost their land due to natural disaster.
Avg. Land dicreased during last 10 years
Land sold 25%
Family division 38%
Natural disaster 24%
Building house 13%
Land increased during last 10 years in Thalley valley As mentioned earlier, Thalley valley
has potentials for land development but for the various causes such as unlawful allotment of common property to individual influential persons in this valley is common practice. Such situation creates large barriers in land development and construction of new irrigation channel on self-help basis or donation from external agencies. However, per household land size has increased during the last ten years. This is a positive sign that per-household land size increment is mainly due to an
Avg. Land Increased durining last 10 years
Purchased 22%
Project 73%
Donation 2%
Inherited 3%
irrigation projects which caused the land development. The new irrigation project contributes to 73% of the household land increment, the other main factor which increased per-household land increased is purchases of land.
The main factor which caused the families to purchase the land in Thalley valley is income generation capacity through migration and selling their skill labor. Although household fragmentation into nuclear family is common practice in this area but the land increment through inheritance is only 3%. Two percent household land increased by donation of land.
2.3 ANIMAL MANAGEMENT
Livestock is an integral part of rural community and economy. It is not only a source of meat, milk and butter for locals but livestock’s wastes are good source of organic fertilizers.
Farm Forestry
Natural forest in Thalley valley is very poor in quality. Alpine forest is not found in the valley.
Few junipers, Birch Batulla and willow trees are found in few numbers on the timber line deeper in few Nallahs. In the valley community mostly grows fast growing species like poplars, Sarsing and willows under the irrigation channels. Poplars is used as timber wood for construction of houses and sheds for the livestock. Other trees are the main sources of firewood and the leaves used as fodder for the livestock during winter season as fodder.
Wild Animals
Almost all types of wild animals/mammals and birds of the Northern Areas are found in the valley. Among these, Asiatic ibex (Capra ibex sibirica), Snow leopard (Panthera ncial), wolf (Canis lumpus), Red fox (Vulpus vulpus), Marmot (Marmota caudate) are known to be commonly found in the area. Common birds include chakor partridge (Alectoris chukar), Jungle crow (Corvus machrohynchos) and Himalayan snow-cock or ram chukor (Tetraogallus himalayensis). Local farmers lose some of their domestic animals to snow Leopard and wolf while grazing in pastures round the year. Especially small ruminants and yearling or more than 3 years old of calves of large ruminants are the major preys during the freely grazing period after harvesting of the crops in the valley.
Pastures
Agriculture and livestock production are the major sources of livelihood in the valley. Pastures in Baltistan in general and in Thalley valley in particular are the natural gifts for the local (community) farmers from April to October for their large and small animals. During cultivation season mostly lower altitudinal pastures are used by small ruminants and Zo/Zomos and Yak, Yakmos. Cattle horse and donkeys are on stall feeding from November to April. Thalley valley pastures are located in different Nallahs (Watersheds) where every village has specific grazing rights. The local communities use these pastures for grazing their livestock in different seasons of the year. The local farmers, not grazing their animals for one season in one pasture (Broq), move from one pasture to another after some days or months like nomads moving through water and grassy pastures. Just after cultivating the crops in the land below the irrigation channels, the local communities ban free grazing and roaming near their respective cultivated areas. These bans on free grazing continue until harvesting the crops. Farmers put their domestic animals on
summer pastures. All the villages have cultivation land and grazing rights along their respective land sites in the Thalley Broq pastures.
Domestic Animals
Livestock plays a vital role in the livelihood of Thalley valley. Most of the households rear livestock on subsistence scale. Men and women are responsible for rearing livestock because rapidly increasing population in the valley require increased demand of livestock.
No. of Large Animals in the Area
445
592
64
230
124
528
168
0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700
Zoo Zomo Yalk Yakmo Horses Donkeys Other
Large Animals
All types of domestic animals like Yak/Yakmo, Zo, Zomo, Cattle Sheep/Goats, Horses/ and donkeys are found in the valley. The role of yak and yak cross breeding with local cows in high land of Thalley valley is similar to that of camels in deserts. Yak/Yakmos and yak cow’s crosses, which results in Zo/Zomos. Zo and Zomo, are quite common and highly referred by the local farmers in the valley (M.Abbas2003). The present report focuses on livestock population and dynamic role in the livelihood and paper will explore how much role of livestock contribution towards population’s economics of Thalley valley.
Grazing System
The pastoralist system involves a seasonal transhumance between villages and temporary settlement in high alpine zone. Raising livestock is an integrated part of the subsistence agriculture production system of Thalley valley. The combination of crops and livestock keeping is more widespread and complex job for the local farmers. Traditionally the communities graze their animals on range lands. Every village in Thalley valley has its own grazing use rights on range lands. For grazing the animals, especially for the summer season, the farmers take their animals high up in the pastures where there are common shed for their livestock. One no’res and ba’res herding group has a shed high up in the pastures for their livestock is called Khlaas. The communities in Baltistan have their grazing system which is called no’res and ba’res. no’res is the tern system for herding of small ruminants in the village .Bares is the term system for herding of large milking animals in the village. Through out the year no’res system are
commonly practiced but the ba’res system is seasonal during the vegetation period of the year especially during the summer season when the farmers milk their lactative animals and make butter from the milk on pastures.
Table. Village level grazing groups prevailing in the valley in a whole year
Name of village NO’RES GROUP BA’RES GROUP
Tagari 3 3
Chondo 5 4
Harangus 1 1
Pharangus 1 1
Bordass 2 2
Borqpa 1 1
Baltoro 3 3
Daltir 4 4
Yarkhor 3 3
Khasomic 1 1
Total 24 23
There are 24 no’res groups and 22 ba’res groups in the 10 villages of Thalley valley. All the farmers of the valley depend on subsistence agriculture and range land for grazing their animals during different seasons of the year. no’res groups continue grazing through out the year. ba’res groups of the animals are grazing from early summer to autumn and depend upon the lactation stage of milking Zomos and cows. The Yak/Yakmos and dry adult (Zo and Zomos) animals usually let them on free grazing during winter and summer season. Only Pregnant Yakmos and yearlings are on stall feeding during the winter season in the valley.
2.4 FOREST REGENERATION AND MANAGEMENT
The objectives of the research in Thalley for this component connects forest resources with investigations of the need for alternative energy sources, including improved stoves: They include:
• To contribute to the conservation of existing forest, forest resources through the efficient use of fuel wood.
• To explore alternative energy sources to reduce the demand for fire wood from the natural forest.
• To identify different resources of fire wood and timber wood from farm Forestry.
• To see overall expenses of fuel wood consumption ratio in different areas (upper, middle and lower valleys).
• To analyze fuel sources from various resources.
• To provide baseline data about farm forestry resources for further research.
2.4.1 Plantation of Forest trees
NLH /AKRSP and the Forest Department collaborated to establish a nursery in 1999. AKRSP provided fencing materials, laboring for seed collection and one watchman salary and forest department provided land for nursery. The objective of this activity was to provide seedlings in the high altitude area. In May 2005 as a part of the activity, 1000 seedlings were dug out from the Basho nursery and transferred them to a valley of the new project site Taghari. The rest of seedlings were given to the forest department in Basho Valley. All the seedlings were handed over to the community. These seedlings were transplanted very carefully to minimize the threat of mortality. Under newly developed land funded by the AKRSP, the seedlings were transplanted which is in possession of the community. Regarding the measurements of the availability of adequate water to the newly developed land was already made clear by establishing a water channel.
The main reason to provide these seedlings was that the pine-species are not present in the whole valley. It’s for the first time that any agency has provided these planting materials to the locals of the valley. It will be helpful to investigate their acclimatization in the particular habitat. It would be a great achievement for the whole valley if their attempt to grow pine is successful. They will get benefit in long run from these resources.
2.4.2 Alternative Energy Sources
Baltistan lies in extremely harsh climate with the mercury dipping to minus 15 degree Celsius in winter. There are very few energy sources in the valley and the local population relies heavily on natural resources like fuel wood. On one hand this pressure on forests is depleting the natural forests, on the other hand, meager supply of fuel wood and high prices cause the local poor people to lead a miserable life during long winters. In this regard, AKRSP is exploring some fuel efficient sources of heating. A partnership with NLH has been started, its details are given below.
Fuel Sources
Farm forestry plays a key role for fuel source in Thalley valley. The main fuel sources found through the survey are wood, barks, dung, and kerosene oil and light petroleum gas. People mainly depend on fuel wood and dung but to some extent, people use Kerosene oil and light petroleum gas. People use wood of farm forest and scarcely a common forest is found in Thalley.
Planting of trees like different species of poplar, willows, apricots, mulberries and Russian olive is a common practice in Thalley valley. People plant these trees along with borders of fields and irrigation channels. Poplars and willows are the most common farm forestry species in the valley. The ratio of farm forest is higher than natural forest. Poplars and willows are used for fuel wood, construction purposes and leaves for animals. Now the trend of plantation is increasing year by year. For the last few years AKRSP has introduced tree nurseries of poplars and Rubenia. In upper and middle valley, people plant only poplars and willows but they have less fruit trees than lower villages. In lower valley the villagers plant common plants and fruit trees. Majority of them buy wood from other valleys even from Skardu for their fuel consumption as well as for construction purposes. The villagers of upper and middle villages bring dung and barks from upper common land because of easy access but the lower villages are at a greater distance from the common forest so the people of lower villages do not have easy access to the common pastures, due to this they use wood of farm forests as a fuel source. But
the purchasing ratio of wood is quite high in upper and middle villages than lower villages.
People also use kerosene oil and petroleum gas as a fuel to cook food but the main lighting source is electricity.
2.4.2.1 Wood Consumption from Farm forest
In Thalley valley people have resorted to fruit specie, especially apricot wood for fuel-wood.
Apricot has traditionally been a part of staple diet in the area, whose shortages, if the current trend of the cutting of fruit trees for fuel-wood continues, can create gaps in farmers food security. People use other species too, like poplar, willow, Russian olive etc. as a fuel wood. The pressure on farm forest is great in Thalley valley.
In lower villages they use much fuel wood from farm forest and fruit trees while the upper and middle villages use less fuel wood from farm forest. The bark consumption is equal in middle and upper villages but this ratio is nil in lower villages. The use of timber is higher in upper and middle villages while the lower villages use less timber. Upper and middle villages have less farm forestry so they prefer to use the wood as a timber for constructions. The lower villages are rich in farm forest so they use wood for all purposes, i.e. heating, cooking and construction.
0 10 20 30 40 50
Fire wood Per 40 Kgs Barks Per 40 Kgs Timber Used No
Wood Consumption From Farm Forestry
Lower Middle Upper
Fig. 2.4.2.2 Wood consumption from on farm production Lower villages
In lower villages consumption of fuel wood is 30 mound and no of timber used per household is 2. On average 94% of the wood produced on farm goes to fuel wood and six percent is used for timber. Lower villages are rich in fruit trees, they use wood from fruit trees for heating and cooking purposes. See figure 2.4.2.2 and 2.4.2.3.
Fuel Source % From Farm Forestry Lower Thalley
0%
94%
6%
Fire wood Per 40 Kgs Barks Per 40 Kgs Timber Used No
Fig. 2.4.2.3 Fuel wood source lower Thalley Middle villages
In the middle villages the fire wood consumption is 15 mound, barks 1 mound and number of timber used per household for construction purposes is 12. The wood consumption ratio from farm forestry is 53% to fuel wood, barks 4% and timber 43% per household. Middle villages have easy access to the common forest. See fig 2.4.2.2 and 2.4.2.4.
Fuel Source % From Farm Forestry Midle Thalley
43%
4%
53%
Fire w ood Per 40 Kgs Barks Per 40 Kgs Timber Used No
Fig. 2.4.2.4 Fuel wood source middle Thalley Upper Villages
In upper villages the consumption of fire wood is 10 mounds, barks 1 mound and number of timber per household used for construction is 46. The ratio consumption of fuel wood in percentage is 18%, barks 2% and no of timbers 80% from the farm forestry in per household.
Upper and middle villages use less wood for fuel than lower village, they prefer to use wood for construction purposes. They also have less farm forestry and fruit trees. See fig. 2.4.2.2 and 2.4.2.5
Fuel Source % From Farm Forestry Upper Thalley
18%
2%
80%
Fire w ood Per 40 Kgs Barks Per 40 Kgs Tim ber Used No
Fig 2.4.2.5 Fuel wood source upper Thalley
2.4.2.2 Fuel Consumption From Common Resources
The people of Thalley depend almost entirely on natural forms of energy sources, such as wood and dung, for heating and cooking purposes. This has put a strong pressure on the local natural resources, especially, the little natural forest of the area. The local tree species of Juniper and shrubs i.e. Artemisia and wild rose etc., grow very slow are excellent for short spans of burning but not ideally suited as firewood which requires slow but consistent burning properties.
The consumption ratio of fuel wood from common forest is higher in middle villages than the lower and the upper villages (see fig 2.4.2.6). The ratio of barks (Shrub) consumption is higher in upper villages. The ratio of dung consumption is high in upper and middle villages but this ratio is quite low in lower villages.
The lower villages are far away from common pastures so they use less wood from common forestry while the upper and middle villages have easy access to the common forests, so they use much resources from common forest i.e. dung, barks (shrubs) and fuel wood etc. The lower villages use much wood from farm forestry as fuel wood. One reason is that the upper and middle villages have less farm forestry. See the figures in below.
0 5 10 15 20
Fire w ood Per 40 Kgs Barks Per 40 Kgs Dung
Fuel Consumption From Common Resources
Lower Middle Upper
Fig. 2.4.2.6 Lower Villages
In lower valley the ratio of wood consumption is very small, same like the barks and dung is also low. On average each household used 1 mound fuel wood, 2 mound barks (shrubs) and 8 mound dung annually from common pastures.
The percentage of wood use is 9%, barks (shrubs) 18% and the dung is 73% per household. The lower villages are far away from the common pastures and forest, due to this they use less common resources than middle and upper villages.
Fuel Sources From Common Resources Lower Thalley
9%
18%
73%
Fire w ood Per 40 Kgs Barks Per 40 Kgs Dung Per 40 Kgs.
Fig 2.4.2.7 Middle Villages
In middle villages the consumption of wood, barks, and dung is higher than lower villages, Each household used 7 mound fuel wood, 2 mound barks (shrubs) and 16 mound dung from common pastures annually.
The consumption percentage of fuel wood and barks (shrubs) 23% and the dung is 54% per household. See fig. 2.4.2.6 and 2.4.2.8.
In middle valley they have easy access to the common pastures; due to this they use many resources from common pastures.
Fuel Sources From Common Resources Middle Thalley
54%
23%
23%
Fire wood Per 40 Kgs Barks Per 40 Kgs Dung
Fig 2.4.2.8 Upper Thalley
In upper villages the consumption of dung is greater, they use dung 15 mound, barks 12 mound and fuel wood 2 mound per household annually. The consumption ratio of dung 52%, barks (shrubs) 41%, and fuel wood is 7% per household on average. See fig 2.4.2.6 and 2.4.2.9.
Fuel Source From Commone Resources Upper Thalley
41%
7%
52%
Fire wood Per 40 Kgs Barks Per 40 Kgs Dung
Figure 2.4.2.9
2.4.2.3 Existing Tree Species
In Thalley valley the condition of farm forestry is quite good. In middle Thalley valley, the condition of farm forestry is better than Lower Thalley. The base line survey showed that the trees per household in upper Thalley valley is like this: poplars plants 423, willow 277, Russian Olive 18, Rubinia 6 Mulberries 3 and Fruit trees 59, in Middle Thalley; poplars 258, willows 252, Russian olive 5 mulberries 1, other species 7 and fruit trees are 30 in each household and in Upper Thalley Poplars 448, willows 276, Russian olive and Rubiania 2 and fruit trees 32.
Table. 2.4.2.10 Existing tree species found in Lower, Middle and Upper Thalley valley
Poplar Willows Rassian
Olive Rubinia Mulberies Others Fruit trees
Lower 423 277 18 6 3 0 58.76471
Middle 258 252 5 5 1 7 30.42759
Upper 448 276 2 2 0 0 32.34694
0 100 200 300 400 500
Poplar Willows Rassian Olive
Rubinia Mulberies Others Fruit trees
Farm Forestry in Thalley Valley
Lower Middle Upper
Fig 2.4.2.11 Lower Thalley
In lower village people planted the trees i.e., poplars are 423, willows 277, Russian olive 18, Rubinia 6, and fruit trees 59 per each household. The ratio of farm forestry in percentage is category wise, 54% poplars, willows 35%, Fruit trees 8%, Russian olive 2%, and 1% Rubenea.
In lower valley the ratio of poplar, willows and fruit trees are better. See fig. 2.4.2.11 and 2.4.2.12.
Lower
35%
8%
54%
1%
2%
Poplar Willows Rassian Olive
Rubinia Fruit trees Fig. 2.4.2.12
Middle Thalley
In middle villages people planted the trees i.e., poplars are 258, willows 252, Russian olive 18, Rubinia 5, fruit trees 59 and other trees 7 per each household recorded. The ratio of farm forestry in percentage is category wise, 47% poplars, willows 45%, Fruit trees 5%, and Russian olive, Rubenea and others 1% recorded through the survey. See fig 2.4.2.11 and 2.4.2.13.
Species of Trees Middle Thelley
5%
1%
1%
47%
45%
Poplar Willows Rassian Olive Rubinia Others Fruit trees
Figure 2.4.2.13
Upper Thalley
In upper villages people planted the trees i.e., poplars are 48, willows 276, Russian olive 2, Rubinia 2, and fruit trees 32 per each household recorded. The ratio of farm forestry in percentage is category wise, 60% poplars, willows 36%, and fruit trees 4% recorded through the survey. See fig. 2.4.2.11 and 2.4.2.14.
Species of Trees Upper Thalley
60%
36%
0%
0%
4%
Poplar Willows Rassian Olive Rubinia Fruit trees
Fig 2.4.2.14.
2.4.2.3 Expenses
The annual expenses on fuel sources are quite high in Thalley valley. The annual electricity consumption is higher in upper and middle valley than in the lower villages. The main reason for this is that the lower villagers use electricity for lighting purpose only, while the upper and middle villages use it for heating and cooking purposes too.
Equally, expenses on wood and kerosene oil are greater in upper and middle Thalley while the consumption of light petroleum gas is higher in lower Thalley, while this ratio is low in middle and upper Thalley.
0 200 400 600 800 1000
Annaul Electricity Bills
Annual Cost of fuel wood
Annual Cost of Kerosine Oil
Annual Cost of Fuel Gas
Fuel Expences Rs.
Lower Middle Upper
Fig 2.4.2.15 Lower Thalley