Non-Timber Forest Product Market in the Tribal Areas of Odisha

This paper analyses economic implications of the existing non-timber forest products (NTFPs) market in the tribal belt of Odisha. Based on the primary data, this study explores welfare effect in terms of volume and sale of NTFP items, market behaviour, and role of traders influencing the market chain. The current market system is highly exploitative in nature as major benefits are transferred from producers to the middlemen. It highlights for effective implementation of NTFP policy, 2000; establishment of weekly markets; disbursement of formal sources of credit; and recruitment of more human resources at the PRI level for improving the trade exploitation.