Extent, mapping and utilization of grassland resources of Jammu and Kashmir in western Himalaya: a case study

Abstract

The present work was conducted in Jammu and Kashmir State of India to study the extent, mapping and utilization pattern of grasslands. Four field trips were conducted during May, 2011 to October, 2014 in the alpine pastures and several pastoralist groups were randomly selected and information was collected through interviews, focus group discussions, participant observation and by administering questionnaires. A total of 120 informants, falling in the age group of 18–75 years, including various officials of state government departments and nongovernment organizations were selected. In this study, 21 cloud free scenes of IRS P6 LISS-3 of year 2012–13 were used for grassland identification and mapping. The study revealed that about 9595 km2 (4.32%) area was under productive grasslands, whereas other grazing lands including scrubs and other unpalatable grasslands were 10455 km2 (9.81%) of the total geographical area. Grassland area in Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh region was 3.53, 13.22 and 5.76% respectively. As per the elevation, the vertical distribution of grasslands was found highest between 1500-3000 m. The grasslands of the state were classed as tropical to sub-tropical, subtropical to sub-temperate, sub-temperate to alpine and alpine meadows. Himalayan grasslands locally known as Bahaks/Margs are unique heritage in Jammu and Kashmir and owing to their species-rich, taxonomically diverse flora, ecological services and scenic beauty, which represent an important ecosystem. Throughout these grasslands, pastorals and other indigenous communities collect and use plants in several ways.