Language: English
Gums and resins form an important group of non-timber forest products. India is among the five large gum producing countries. Annual trade is in several thousand tonnes. Indonesia, India and China are among the world's biggest producer of gums and resins. The production of gum and resins is also a source of livelihood support to millions of people residing in forests besides being a major source of employment. People living in semi-arid regions depend on collection of gums and resins for cash income and livelihood. The book deals with important issues on conservation of natural gums and resins in their natural landscape and ex situ conservation, sustainable harvesting, processing, storage, value addition and marketing.
Most of these gums and resins are collected from forests and are high-value produce. India is an important exporter of gum karaya, guar gum, lac and psyllium. A number of other gums like Gum Ghatti, Guggal gum, Salai gum, Oleo resin, Butea gum etc. are also collected from forests. This book has a collection of papers on these gums giving scientific insights about production, harvesting, post harvest care and marketing.