Status, distribution and concentration of Morus species in North Kashmir

Abstract

The present study entitled “Status, distribution and concentration of Morus species in North Kashmir” was carried out at Faculty of Forestry, SKUASTK, Benihama, Ganderbal J&K during the year 2018-19. A detailed survey at village level of all the districts of North Kashmir revealed that 13 varieties of Morus alba are grown in North Kashmir. Of these 13 varieties, six are reportedly exotic and rest are indigenous. The species were found growing in all the districts of North Kashmir at an altitudinal range of 1550-1996 m. The concentration of Morus trees on per ha basis varied from district to district. It was found more in district Baramulla (17 ha-1) followed by 11 ha-1 in district Kupwara and lowest 10 ha-1 in district Bandipora. Socio-economic studies revealed that Baramulla district had maximum average land holding of 0.63 ha per family followed by Bandipora and Kupwara with average land holding of 0.47 and 0.46 hectares per family, respectively. The studies also revealed that Morus trees contributed its share in average estimated annual income per ha of land holding in North Kashmir. As far as North Kashmir is concerned average income of farmers was Rs 1,71,555 in which contribution of Morus trees was Rs 1,126 which accounted for 0.65% of the total income. The studies further revealed that Morus species has multiple uses in North Kashmir. 41.46% of farmers use it as fodder, 34.72% for fruits, 12.52% for fuel and 11.30% of farmers use it for silkworm rearing respectively. It was observed that most of people in North Kashmir were using this species for household purposes (83.69%) while as least number of people for commercial purposes (16.31%).