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Mapping and Quantitative Assessment of Vegetation of Jiribam Sub-Division, Imphal East District, Manipur, India using Remote Sensing and GIS

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Chapter

Conclusions

8


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7.1 Conclusions

The present study was undertaken with the following objectives,

1. Preparation of landuse/landcover map using RS and GIS technique.

2. Quantitative analysis of vegetation and patterns of plant species diversity.

3. Analysis of spatial patterns of forest fragmentation.

4. Inventorisation of non-timber forest products and analysis of their

utilization by local people.

The study yielded several results that have been discussed in detail in the respective

chapters. The present study can serve as baseline information and primary input for

development and management planning activities and will helps in the management of

water, agriculture, forest and other natural resources for the sustainable development of

Jiribam Sub-Division. This research work demonstrates the utility of GIS and Remote

Sensing data in the discrimination and stratification of various land cover and land use

categories, forest cover and non-forest categories along with structural classification of

canopy density classes which in turn facilitated in sample surveys to collect forest

inventory data. The major conclusions of each study component are as follows.

Mapping

Land resource forms the most important wealth of any region. Sustainable land resources

development and management necessarily depends on proper planning, implementation,

operation and maintenance. Its proper utilization and management is a matter of utmost

concern to the people. Improper use of land has created many problems like land

degradation, wastage and decline in productivity of the land. Therefore, optimum

utilization and strategic management of land resources, according to its capability in a

planned manner is essential. The results of the present study are presented in form of

maps, charts and tables. Different types of maps were prepared in the present study. They

are LULC map, base map, soil map, forest cover map, forest fragmentation map and

rubber distribution map. They have been discussed in detail in the respective chapters

and can be use in planning and management of Jiribam Sub-Division.


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Vegetation

15 cm GBH belonging to 113 woody species, 90 genera and

45 families were enumerated and analysed. The vegetation type of the forests of Jiribam

Sub-Division is heterogeneous. The mean stand density recorded was 239 stems ha-1 (

+45). Stem density was higher in dense forest (284 stems ha-1) than the open forest (194

stems ha-1). The average basal area was recorded as 11.4 m2ha-1( +2.8). The stand basal

area was also higher in dense forest (14.2 m2ha-1) than the open forest (8.6 m2ha-1). The

Shannon diversity index was observed as 3.9 in the dense forest and 3.7 in the open

forest. Family Index Value of pooled data showed that Moraceae was the most dominant

family (40.77) followed by Meliaceae (26.69), Mimosaceae (26.42) and Verbenaceae

(24.38). In terms of IVI value in the entire forest, the dominant tree species were

Artocarpus chama Buch.-Ham., Toona ciliata M Roem., Duabanga sonneratioides

Ham., Albizia stipulata Boivin. etc. It was observed that the two forest categories did not

vary too much in their composition. This was evidenced from the high similarity index

(64.67%).

Inventorisation of NTFPs in different forests either at regional or global level and setting

the maximum harvesting limits for different products can check the erosion of forest

resources. A better understanding of the magnitude and nature of the role of NTFPs is

demand upon the forest resource. Active management of NTFP collection and cultivation

can help maintain ecosystem complexity and also play an important role in restoring

biodiversity. Overall, 58 plant species belonging to 37 families and 51 genera were found

in the study that yield NTFPs. Out of the 58 reported plant species, 27 species are

marketable. NTFPs play a significant role in the life style of the people of Jiribam sub-

division.

7.2 Recommendations

Based on the findings of the present study, the following recommendations are being

suggested.


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New Land Use Policy (NLUP)

Previously, a few attempts were taken to address the land degradation due to jhum

practices. However these were not properly planned and implemented. A farmer who

depends only on the crop from jhum cultivation would not give it up unless he is given

an alternative source of equal income. New land use policies can be made according to

the present different categories of LULC to preserve the environment by increasing

forest cover, to provide alternative and better livelihood to rural people. NLUP can

engage in different sectors like environment and forest, fisheries, animal husbandry and

veterinary, horticulture, sericulture, small scale industries, agriculture and soil and water

conservation. Land management, revival of the shallow or dead streams, revival of

forests, sustained broomstick, sugandhmantri, pineapple and tea cultivation, well

planned rubber, cashew and litchi plantation, establishment of piggery, dairy farming,

poultry farming can be addressed under NLUP.

Strengthening Forest management

The problem of forest fire, fuelwood extraction, timber extraction including pole size,

bamboo shoots collection, broom sticks collection, medicinal plants collection were

observed in periphery of forests which should be checked practically and must be given

participation is most essential for effective conservation. The results of forest

fragmentation analysis could play a major role for formulating policies for conserving

native vegetation. A suitable agro-forestry model may be applied as an improved land

use pattern.

Scope for future Research

There are some topics that should still be addressed in future researches. The objectives

of this study do not cover the following aspects of research which would be essential.

There is need of research work in improving the yield of medicinal plants and wild

edible plants especially of those which are in great demand. Nutritional value of NTFPs

species which are consumed as wild edible foods, phytochemical investigation of

medicinal plants and wildlife researches are recommended.

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