A total of Rs 1.18 billion has been exported from Ilam in a year. Bullets are being extracted from private numbers and community forests in the Terai district.
According to the Division Forest Office, Ilam, 2.9 million cuts of ammunition were exported from private number one in the last fiscal year 077/78. The export of ammunition has increased compared to the previous fiscal year. In FY 076/77, 2 million cuts of ammunition were exported. Assistant Forest Officer Yam Bahadur Rumba said that the export has increased last year due to the ease of transportation.
"Cargo vehicles were also stopped in Pohor Lockdown. This time, cargo vehicles were not stopped, so the export has increased," said Rumba, an assistant forest officer.
A total of Rs 1.16 billion has been earned from 2.9 million cuts of bullets extracted from private number one. The pellets produced in the private number one forest of Ilam are delivered to the wood industries of Jhapa and Morang. According to the Division Forest Office, Rs. 133,399 has been collected from the export of ammunition.
Leaving the traditional farming, the cultivation of trees has resulted in the export of pellets of various species including Uttis, Malato, Chilaune, and Katus from Ilam. Forest has been planted commercially in the district as it has become a good source of income. Those who have moved away from traditional farming to other lands have started planting trees on their own land. In eight to twelve years after planting, the seedlings are ready for cutting. Since there is no need to plant trees every year, there is no need to take care of them, and there is a lump sum income, many people have abandoned traditional farming and planted trees. Therefore, the amount of bullets being extracted from Ilam is increasing every year.
Bullets are also being extracted from the community forest in the Chure area of Ilam. It contains most of the saliva pills. In the last fiscal year 077/78, 11,583 cu ft of bullets have been extracted from community forests. According to the Forest Office, various types of pellets including sal have been exported. About 70 percent of the bullets are exported. The revenue of Rs.
Community forests distribute the remaining pellets to their consumers and sell them outside. The Forest Office does not allow the collection of vertical trees when seeking permission for export. Assistant Forest Officer Rumba said that only fallen trees are collected and allowed for sale. Timber collected for internal consumption cannot be exported.
