An assessment of Diploknema butyracea (Roxb.) H. J. Lam (Chiuri) utilization in Chepang community Chitwan district, Nepal

Chiuri (Diploknema butyracea) is a medium-sized tree indigenous to Nepal and integral to the Chepang ethnic group. The utilization of Chiuri has experienced a decline, leading to a perceptible gap between agricultural practitioners and entrepreneurial endeavors within the Chepang community. This study, conducted from January to July 2023 in the Rapti municipality of the Chitwan district, Nepal, aims to document both traditional and contemporary applications of Chiuri in the Chepang community, evaluating its market presence, economic contributions, and cultural practices. The research involved household surveys and six key informant interviews, employing structured and semi-structured questionnaires for primary data collection. The collected data underwent meticulous analysis using MS-Excel and statistical tools. Traditionally, the Chepang community employed Chiuri for diverse purposes, including the extraction of Chiuri butter, utilization of flower juice, leaf plate fabrication, liso production, and oilcake processing. However, contemporary practices have witnessed a transition towards packaged oil, various juice derivatives, and fertilizer. Historically, Chiuri butter held paramount importance as the primary source of income for the Chepang community, supplemented by revenue generated from honey, oilcake, leaf plate crafting, alcohol juice production, and liso manufacturing. Over the past two decades, a marked decline is evident, with only 36% of the population currently engaged in processing and selling Chiuri products, compared to 85% in the past. Market transactions predominantly occur in Lothar Bazaar, trailed by Bhandara and local markets, where Chiuri butter, honey, and seeds are the primary commodities. Beekeeping, honey production and butter have emerged as the predominant sources of income. Historically vital for the economic and social well-being of the Chepang community, Chiuri has seen a decline in traditional practices such as Chepuwa (Khalang) oil extraction and a diminishing prevalence of the dowry system. Adopting cost-effective treatment technology is crucial to replace traditional methods and ensure sustainable Chiuri product production.