Non-timber forest products (NTFP): contribution towards farmers’ economy in the north-western Himalayas

A study was conducted in the Rajouri and Kishtwar districts of the Jammu region of Jammu & Kashmir state to assess the contribution of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) towards farmers’ economy in the north-western Himalayas. Anardana and Kalazeera were the important forest NTFPs collected by the farmers of, respectively, Rajouri and Kishtwar districts for commercial purposes. The major problem reported in the collection of Anardana was the non-availability of labour; in the case of Kalazeera, difficulty in harvesting the seeds was the major problem. A marketing and market intelligence system for NTFPs is urgently required for using natural resources optimally and enhancing farmer income in the north-western Himalayas.