Seasonal dynamics and optimization of tapping methods for sustainable gum harvest in tropical forests of Western Odisha, India

Authors

  • Tapas Paramanik Research Scholar
  • Pratibha Rani Deep Assistant Professor in Botany
  • Shantanu Bhattacharyya Assistant Professor and HOD Botany

Abstract

Background: Natural gums are among the most economically significant Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) in India, mostly used as food, fodder, and medicine. In Western Odisha, gum extraction is a key income source for tribal communities. Unsustainable tapping practices severely reduce gum yield and adversely affects tree health. Thus, a sustainable harvesting method is essential for ecological and economic balance.

Methods: We studied twelve gum-producing tree species over three years in Western Odisha. We tested gum yields in different wound types such as size (from 5x5cm to 15x15cm), shape (rectangle, V shape and. Circle hole), location (bottom, middle, or upper trunk), direction (north, south, etc.), and timing (pre-monsoon to winter).

Results: Sterculia urens showed highest gum yielding potential. The most effective method was a 10x10cm2 rectangular cut on the middle of the trunk, facing east-west, during summer (April-June). This produced 35% more gum than other methods and allowed trees to recover wound. Circular cuts healed 20% slower than rectangular ones. Monsoon tapping reduced yield quality by 40% due to rain wash and moisture contamination, while in winter it reduces by ~55%.

Conclusions: Our findings provide a standardized method for sustainable gum harvesting in terms of wound size, shape, position, directions along with seasonal dynamics. Rectangular wounds (10×10cm², mid-trunk, east-west) during summer are optimized condition for sustainable gum yield and tree health. These findings can guide government or NGOs to train Odisha’s gum collectors, fostering a sustainable circular economy that boosts rural incomes, secures NTFP-based livelihoods, and safeguards forest health.

Keywords: Non-timber forest products (NTFPs), Sterculia urens, Seasonal gum production, Climate-resilient Forest management, Gum tapping, Gum exudation optimization, Forestry resource management, Sustainable forestry,

Author Biographies

Pratibha Rani Deep, Assistant Professor in Botany

Dr. Pratibha Rani Deep (M.Sc Botany, M.Tech Applied Botany, PhD Life Science) working as Assistant Professor in Botany, Department of Botany, School of Life Sciences, centurion Universityof Technology and management, Odisha, India

Shantanu Bhattacharyya, Assistant Professor and HOD Botany

Dr. Shantanu Bhattacharyya (M.Sc Botany, M.Phil Life Science, PhD Life Science)  is working as  Assistant Professor anf Head of the Department of Botany, Department of Botany, School of Applied Sciences, Centurion University of Technology and management, Odisha, India

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Published

2025-05-08

How to Cite

Paramanik, T., Deep, P., & Bhattacharyya, S. . (2025). Seasonal dynamics and optimization of tapping methods for sustainable gum harvest in tropical forests of Western Odisha, India. Ethnobotany Research and Applications, 30, 1–12. Retrieved from https://ethnobotanyjournal.org/index.php/era/article/view/6978

Issue

Vol. 30 (2025)

Section

Research

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