Back to the roots: Chepangs growing chiuri trees, understanding the importance of these multifaceted species

Some 17 years ago, Dinesh Chepang, 39 from Silinge of Raksirang-6 in Makawanpur used to see his grandfather indulge in chiuri farming . Chepang says his grandfather took care of the chiuri trees like it was his babies.

“He harvested different parts and we even ate its seeds. I remember him extracting ghee (clarified butter) from it. He was so adamant about conserving these trees,” says Chepang.