Community forest in Kanchanpur generates income through broom farming

Kanchanpur: The Aishwarya Community Forest User Group in Domilla, Krishnapur Municipality-1, Kanchanpur, has turned broom cultivation into a sustainable source of income while promoting forest conservation.

Spanning approximately 35 hectares, the community forest has been commercially cultivating brooms (Amriso), generating increasing revenue over the years. According to Damodar Joshi, Secretary of the Forest Office, broom farming began in the forest nearly 15 years ago, but has become more systematic and commercial in the last six years. “We earned over three lakh rupees by selling seven thousand brooms until last Ashar,” said Joshi. “Last year, we earned only two lakh rupees from broom sales.”

Local users have found employment opportunities through the initiative. “From the time of broom collection, consumers themselves make the brooms,” Joshi explained. “They are paid Rs 15 per broom, which is later sold in the market for Rs 50 to 70.”

The group’s chairman, Ishwar Budha, highlighted the high market demand for Amriso brooms, which are easily sold locally. However, he noted that wild elephant activity has begun to pose challenges. “This year, only Rs 300,000 worth of brooms could be sold due to elephant damage,” said Budha. “The Amriso attracts elephants into settlements, so we’re planning to shift the cultivation to the Chure area.” Budha added that under normal conditions, brooms worth Rs 1.5 to 2 million could be produced annually.

The group’s long-term vision includes utilizing the valleys and plains of the Chure region for expanded Amriso farming. Revenue from broom sales is being reinvested into forest conservation initiatives, such as installing mesh wire fencing, developing model plots for fruit and bamboo, and providing income-generating training programs for users.

Established in 2058 BS, the Aishwarya Community Forest spans 397 hectares and serves 816 registered users. The forest has become a model for income generation, employment, conservation, and community cooperation, inspiring other community forests in the region, according to Mahesh Dutt Joshi, Chairman of the Community Forest Coordination Committee.