Identification of Non-Timber Forest Products and Economic Value- A Study in Eastern Himalayan States of India

The study was conducted in the Eastern Himalayan states of Meghalaya and Nagaland, selecting two districts from each state. From twenty villages, 250 respondents were proportionately selected based on household availability. Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) were valuated using the direct use value method and categorized by consumptive uses. In Meghalaya, 17 plant-based and 5 animal-based NTFPs were identified, primarily for nourishment, followed by therapeutic uses, alimentary supplements, fuel wood, housing material, and ornate products. Nagaland identified 16 plant-based and 9 animal-based NTFPs, with similar categories. The average time spent per trip collecting plant-based NTFPs was 2.21 hours in Meghalaya and 2.93 hours in Nagaland and for animal-based NTFPs was 3.62 and 4.44 hours, respectively. Weekly, respondents collected 14.17 kg and 10.04 kg of plant-based NTFPs in Meghalaya and Nagaland, respectively, and 2.66 kg and 12.30 kg of animal-based NTFPs. Bamboo shoots gave the highest annual return in Meghalaya, while wild black pepper was most valuable in Nagaland.