Guwahati: A study by Nagaland University has identified and assessed the economic value of 47 non-timber forest products (NTFPs) used by forest-dependent communities across villages in Nagaland and Meghalaya.
The study found that NTFPs play a significant role in supporting food security and livelihoods among tribal communities, with surplus forest produce being sold in local markets to generate supplementary household income.
The researchers called for sustainable utilisation and management of NTFPs through ecological assessments and structured harvesting guidelines to ensure the long-term availability of these forest resources.
The study was conducted across 20 villages covering 250 households. Researchers documented 47 plant- and animal-based NTFPs and assessed their collection patterns, uses and economic value.
The findings showed that communities use NTFPs for household consumption, including as food, beverages and medicines, as well as for preparing value-added products. Surplus produce is sold in local markets, providing an additional source of income beyond traditional agriculture.
The study also documented the plant parts commonly used, seasonal availability, frequency of collection, average time spent on collection trips and the distances travelled by villagers to gather the products.
Bamboo shoot was found to be the highest-return NTFP in Meghalaya, while wild black pepper was the most commonly collected and highest-return NTFP in Nagaland, according to the study.
A key finding was the scientific identification and classification of the 47 NTFPs, most of which were used primarily for nutritional purposes, followed by therapeutic uses.
“Despite India’s rich biodiversity, the economic value of many Non-Timber Forest Products remains inadequately recognised,” said Prof Sanjoy Das of the Department of Agricultural Economics, Nagaland University, who was involved in the study.
“Through this study, we identified commonly available NTFPs in selected areas of Nagaland and Meghalaya, documented their collection and utilisation patterns, and assessed their economic value, highlighting their importance for rural livelihoods and the need for their sustainable utilisation and management,” he said.
The study noted that NTFPs could also create employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for marginalised communities in remote forest areas, offering alternative or supplementary sources of income.
Prof Jagadish Kumar Patnaik, vice-chancellor of Nagaland University, said the study could contribute to policy discussions on rural livelihoods, food security and sustainable management of forest resources.
“I am delighted that Nagaland University continues to contribute meaningful research addressing the socio-economic and ecological priorities of the North Eastern Region,” Patnaik said.
He described the identification and economic assessment of 47 NTFPs across Nagaland and Meghalaya as a significant step towards recognising the potential of forest resources to strengthen rural livelihoods and food security.
The findings were published in the Indian Journal of Ecology, a peer-reviewed journal covering ecology, environmental science, biodiversity conservation, natural resource management and ecosystem sustainability.
The paper was co-authored by Limasunep Ozukum, Sanjoy Das, Amod Sharma, R Nakhro, NK Patra, Manoj Dutta and M Jangyukala of the School of Agricultural Sciences, Nagaland University, Medziphema Campus.
The researchers noted that Northeast India accounts for more than 33% of India’s total flora and is home to more than 100 indigenous communities that depend on forest resources for sustenance and income.
Although India has around 3,000 NTFP species, only 126 have developed marketability, according to the study. The researchers said this highlights the need for greater scientific identification, economic valuation and sustainable management of NTFPs.
The study also emphasised that the importance of NTFPs extends beyond their market value, encompassing ecological services, subsistence needs and cultural significance for forest-dependent communities.