Cedrus deodara and Pinus gerardiana: Potential for Expansion in Gilgit-Baltista

By Syed Shams Uddin Cedrus deodara (Diyar) – The Himalayan Cedar Cedrus deodara, commonly known as Diyar, is an indigenous conifer species well-adapted to the climatic and soil conditions of Gilgit-Baltistan. Its resilience to high-altitude environments, coupled with its ecological and economic significance, makes it a valuable tree for afforestation initiatives. Historically, a notable effort in 1942 at the Jutial nurseries successfully propagated this species, leading to an afforestation drive in Jutial Nullah. This effort was meticulously documented by the late botanist Ghulam Rasul in his 66-paged too concise a handbook Drakht Oogao (Grow Trees). However, the momentum of this initiative was lost over time, necessitating a renewed and ambitious plantation strategy to expand Diyar forests across various valleys of Gilgit-Baltistan. Potential Valleys for Cedrus deodara Expansion It becomes ascertainable that Diyar thrives in high-altitude temperate forests with well-drained soils and ample precipitation. Several valleys in Gilgit-Baltistan offer optimal conditions for its growth, including: Astore Valley – Existing coniferous forests and ideal climatic conditions. Yasin and Phander Valleys – Favorable altitude and soil composition for afforestation. Bagrote and Haramosh Valleys – Historically recognized for their potential to sustain Diyar forests. Skardu and Shigar Valleys – Slopes and terrain conducive to conifer plantation. Hunza and Nagar Valleys – Cold temperate zones with promising afforestation potential. Khaplu and Ghanche Regions – Elevated terrains that support coniferous tree growth. Steps to Revitalize and Expand Cedrus deodara Cultivation 1. Nursery Development and Seedling Distribution Establish large-scale Cedrus deodara nurseries under the Forest Department. Adopt scientific propagation techniques for faster seed germination and sapling growth. Provide subsidized seedlings to local farmers and community-based organizations. Encourage private nurseries to cultivate and distribute Diyar saplings. 2. Government-Led Plantation Programs Launch mass afforestation projects akin to the 1942 Jutial initiative. Identify degraded forest areas and barren slopes for large-scale plantation. Implement protective measures against illegal logging and overgrazing. Integrate Diyar into government reforestation and watershed management programs. 3. Community Involvement and Capacity Building Conduct awareness campaigns on the ecological and economic benefits of Diyar trees. Engage local communities, schools, and youth in tree-planting initiatives. Provide incentives for communities actively participating in afforestation efforts. Establish community-led forest monitoring groups to ensure sustainable growth. 4. Policy and Institutional Support Strengthen forest conservation laws to prevent deforestation. Encourage public-private partnerships for sustainable forest management. Seek collaboration with international environmental organizations for funding and technical assistance. Integrate Cedrus deodara expansion into regional climate change mitigation plans. 5. Research and Sustainable Forest Management Conduct scientific studies on growth patterns, adaptability, and pest control. Implement controlled harvesting techniques to ensure long-term sustainability. Promote agroforestry models where Diyar is integrated with other tree species. Establish seed banks to ensure continuous availability of high-quality seeds. Pinus gerardiana (Chilgoza) – The Edible Pine Pinus gerardiana, commonly known as Chilgoza pine, is another valuable coniferous species native to the western Himalayas. Its highly nutritious and commercially valuable seeds (Chilgoza nuts) make it an economically viable species for local communities. The tree thrives in dry, rocky terrains and can withstand extreme climatic variations, making it suitable for various parts of Gilgit-Baltistan. Potential Valleys for Pinus gerardiana Expansion Chilgoza pine is well-suited to semi-arid mountain regions with well-drained soil. Some key valleys with significant potential include: Astore and Diamer – Existing Chilgoza forests can be expanded through sustainable management. Gupis-Yasin and Phander – Favorable soil conditions and elevation for growth. Skardu and Shigar – Potential for expansion due to suitable dry and rocky terrains. Kharmang and Ghanche – High-altitude locations with ideal conditions for Chilgoza plantations. Steps to Promote and Sustain Chilgoza Cultivation 1. Establishing Chilgoza Plantations Develop Chilgoza nurseries to provide healthy saplings for plantation. Identify degraded forest areas for reforestation. Implement agroforestry models where Chilgoza is cultivated alongside other native species. 2. Sustainable Harvesting and Processing Train local communities in sustainable nut harvesting techniques to prevent overexploitation. Develop cooperative societies for fair trade and market linkages. Introduce value-added processing techniques to increase market value and export potential. 3. Community Participation and Economic Incentives Encourage local farmers to grow Chilgoza trees with financial and technical support. Provide incentives such as subsidies and grants for afforestation efforts. Develop local industries around Chilgoza products, including food processing and oil extraction. 4. Policy and Conservation Measures Implement regulations to prevent illegal logging and unsustainable harvesting. Work with environmental organizations to promote conservation strategies. Develop a certification system for sustainably harvested Chilgoza nuts to attract premium markets. Conclusion Revitalizing Cedrus deodara and expanding Pinus gerardiana cultivation in Gilgit-Baltistan require a coordinated effort between the government, local communities, and environmental organizations. The success of past initiatives, such as the Jutial project and individual experiments like that of retired Conservator of Forests Ghulam Muhammad—who successfully grew Cedrus deodara saplings in Danyore—demonstrates the viability of these species in the region. If the authorities establish nurseries and provide subsidized saplings to the public, these valuable trees can be successfully popularized. By implementing a structured afforestation program, Gilgit-Baltistan can restore its conifer forests, enhance ecological stability, and create sustainable economic opportunities for future generations.