Kalash Valley is located in the remote south western part of District Chitral. The area is gifted with unique cultural and biological diversity. The natural forest of the area mainly consists of pine (Pinus wallichiana), chlghoza (Pinus gerardiana), deodar (Cedrus deodara) and broad leaf species like oak (Quercus incana). The term non-timber forest produce encompasses all biological material other then timber that are extracted from the forest for human welfare. Some of the important NTFPs in Kalash Valley Bomburet are wild mushrooms (Morchella esculenta, M. Vulgaris, M. deliciosa), honey (Apis cerana), medicinal plants (Ferula nartex Paeonia emodi, Inula recemosa ) pine nuts (Pinus gerardiana), silk cocoons and others valuable products. The people of this remote area rely on their indigenous knowledge for collection, packing and drying of these forest products. Most of the local people are dependent on these products for income generation. The present study aims to expose the situation of non-timber forest produce and future guidelines for proper planning and management.
