UPSC Prelims 2019 Q31: Environment & Ecology – Biodiversity & Conservation
- (a) anti - malarial drug
- (b) biodiesel
- (c) pulp for paper industry
- (d) textile fibre
Answer: (d) textile fibre
Explanation
Himalayan Nettle (Girardinia diversifolia)
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Common names | Himalayan nettle, Allo (Nepal), Bichhu Buti (Hindi) |
| Distribution | Himalayas at 1200-3000 m elevation - Nepal, India (Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Arunachal), Bhutan, China |
| Sustainable use | Textile fibre from bast (inner bark) - stronger than cotton, silk-like sheen, biodegradable, sustainably harvested (perennial regrowth) |
| Products | Ropes, mats, bags, shawls, clothing; Nepal exports high-value allo textiles to Europe |
| Livelihood | Supports women's cooperatives in Himalayan villages; promoted by ICIMOD and Indian govt as NTFP (non-timber forest produce) |
Himalayan nettle is celebrated as a sustainable source of textile fibre. Answer: (d).
Answer: (d) textile fibre.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Anti-malarial drugs come from Cinchona (quinine) and Artemisia (artemisinin), not Himalayan nettle.
- (b) Incorrect. Biodiesel is derived from Jatropha, Pongamia, algae etc. - not from nettle.
- (c) Incorrect. Paper pulp comes from softwood/hardwood trees and bamboo, not from Girardinia.
- (d) CORRECT. Himalayan nettle yields a sustainable textile fibre (allo) used for ropes, mats and high-value clothing - supporting Himalayan women's livelihoods.
Key point
Girardinia diversifolia = Himalayan nettle = textile fibre (Allo). Sustainable, biodegradable, stronger than cotton; livelihood for Himalayan women.
Remember
Himalayan nettle (Girardinia diversifolia) is a sustainable source of textile fibre (called 'Allo' in Nepal). Its bast fibre is stronger than cotton, has a silky sheen, is biodegradable, and supports women's cooperatives across the Himalayan belt.
Common mistakes
- Confusing Girardinia with Urtica dioica (European stinging nettle - also used for fibre but a different species).
- Assuming all Himalayan medicinal plants are for drugs - Girardinia is a fibre plant.
- Not knowing Nepal's 'Allo' cottage industry has become a global sustainable-fashion story.
Exam tip
Himalayan NTFPs (Non-Timber Forest Produce): Himalayan nettle (fibre), Yartsagunbu/Yarsagumba (medicinal fungus), Rhododendron (juice/honey), Chirata (herbal medicine), Lokta (paper - Daphne bark). Each supports specific livelihoods.
Sources
- ICIMOD - Himalayan nettle value chain reports
- Ministry of Environment - NTFP documentation