Financial valuation of non-timber forest products flow from tropical dry deciduous forests in Boudh district, Orissa

A study was undertaken for valuation of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) flow from tropical dry deciduous forests in Boudh district, Orissa. Forest occupies 40.5 per cent of the geographical area of the district. Being located in the Eastern Ghats its floristic composition is very rich and diverse. It was found that area harboured 187 plant species of which 85 plant species were being exploited for various purposes. Maximum number of species was collected for traditional health care (34.15%) and domestic use (31.71%). About 78 per cent people in hilly areas and 45 per cent people in plains remained engaged in this work for 3–6 months in a year for their sustenance and livelihood. The average annual income of a family residing in hilly areas was Rs 19,349 of which 23.19 per cent (Rs 4,487) was being contributed by NTFPs. Similarly 11.02 per cent (Rs 2,258) was shared to the average annual income (Rs 20,489) of a family inhabiting in plain areas. Though a number of NTFPs were collected from forests Diospyros melanoxylon (leaves), Shorea robusta (leaves), Madhuca latifolia (flowers and kernels) and Buchanania lanzen (fruits) contributed more than 95 per cent to the annual income shared by NTFPs in the district.