The role of non-timber forest products (NTFP) as non-farm sector for providing income and employment to tribes of Chhattisgarh

This paper attempts to analyse the role of major non-timber forest products (NTFPs) in providing income and employment to the tribals of Chhattisgarh. The results revealed negative growth for Tendu leaves, Kullu gum, Sal seed and Harra. Of the 1, 110 kg of NTFP collected, only 95% was sold in the market. Collectors sell directly to the consumer; or to the village-level retailer, who sells it to the wholesaler, who sell it to the consumer; or they sell it to the Chhattisgarh State Minor Forest Produce (Trading and Development) Co-operative Federation Development (CGMFPFED), which sells to the consumer. The disposable pattern showed that 53.44% of the sold quantities of NTFPs are traded to the minor forest produce society. Forest-dwelling tribes processed at the primary level 968.41 kg (94.58%) of the total marketable NTFP of 1023.88 kg on average.