Khagi Spice Drives Forest Conservation in Arunachal Pradesh

Khagi, a native spice found in the forests of Arunachal Pradesh, is gaining attention for its role in linking forest harvesting with conservation efforts. Local communities are increasingly collecting the spice using methods that avoid damaging the surrounding ecosystem, turning a traditional livelihood into an incentive for preserving forest cover.

Environmental experts note that the commercial value of Khagi encourages villagers to protect the trees and understory where the spice thrives. By aligning economic benefits with ecological stewardship, the practice creates a feedback loop where forest health directly supports income generation.

The model, highlighted by Firstpost, illustrates how market demand for a specific forest product can be harnessed to promote sustainable land‑use practices. If replicated, such approaches could offer a pathway for other forest‑dependent regions to balance livelihood needs with biodiversity conservation.