Guwahati: From bamboo shoots in Meghalaya to wild black pepper in Nagaland, forest products are playing an important role in supporting food security and household incomes among tribal communities in the Northeast, a new study by Nagaland University has found.
The study identified 47 non-timber forest products (NTFPs) collected and used by communities in selected villages of Nagaland and Meghalaya, highlighting their economic importance and contribution to rural livelihoods.
Conducted across 20 villages and 250 households, the research examined how communities collect, consume and market forest products. While most of the NTFPs are used as food, several also have medicinal and household applications. Surplus produce is sold in local markets, providing families with an additional source of income.
Bamboo shoot emerged as the highest-return NTFP in Meghalaya, while wild black pepper was identified as both the most commonly collected and highest-return NTFP in Nagaland, according to the study.
Researchers also documented the plant parts collected, seasonal availability, frequency of collection, time spent on collection trips and the distances travelled by villagers. The findings provide an insight into the labour and resources involved in harvesting products from forests.
Published in the peer-reviewed Indian Journal of Ecology, the study noted that the economic contribution of NTFPs remains under-recognised despite their importance to forest-dependent communities.The researchers said NTFPs contribute to livelihoods in several ways beyond direct cash income. They provide food, beverages, medicines and raw materials for value-added products, while also having ecological and cultural significance.
The study called for scientific ecological assessments and structured harvesting guidelines to ensure that growing demand for forest products does not place unsustainable pressure on the resources communities depend on.
It also highlighted opportunities for generating local employment and promoting forest-based entrepreneurship, particularly among marginalised communities in remote areas with limited livelihood options.
“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 at Nagaland University, who was part of the research team.
Das said the study documented commonly available NTFPs, patterns of collection and utilisation, and their economic value, while also highlighting the need for sustainable management of these resources.
Nagaland University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Jagadish Kumar Patnaik said the research demonstrated the potential of the Northeast’s forest resources to strengthen rural livelihoods and food security.The study placed its findings in the context of the Northeast’s biological and cultural diversity. According to the research, the region accounts for more than 33% of India’s flora and is home to more than 100 indigenous communities that depend on forest resources for food and income.
India is estimated to have around 3,000 NTFP species, but only about 126 have developed significant marketability, according to the study. The researchers said this indicates considerable potential for developing a sustainable forest-based economy.
They cautioned, however, that future efforts should go beyond assigning a monetary value to forest products. Valuation should also consider their contribution to household consumption, ecological services and cultural practices.
The paper was co-authored by Limasunep Ozukum, Prof. Sanjoy Das, Prof. Amod Sharma, Prof. R. Nakhro, Prof. N.K. Patra, Prof. Manoj Dutta and M. Jangyukala of the School of Agricultural Sciences, Nagaland University, Medziphema Campus.