RESEARCH

NTFPs AS A SOURCE OF INCOME-a study on 2no. Ban Sanrakshan Committee, Panchyet soil conservation division, Bishnupur

The 2no. Ban Sarakshan Committee is located under Panchyet soil conservation division of Chowkan forest beat in Morar gram panchayat. The committee is consisting of six villages. Kharikasuli is the primary village of them. The allotted forest area under this FPC is of 105.62 Ha. which is covered by regenerated Sal (Shorea robusta) and Eucalyptus Species. The FPC is working with six villages and a total population of 1,500 with 485 households. Majority of the villagers are from muslim caste but in addition to this hindu and adibasi caste are also existing. The primary occupation of the villagers is agriculture. The nearest market from the villages is located with in 5 Km.

1. Quantification of flow of NTFPs at household level

A forest houses a large variety of organisms and the species richness and complexity of the forest biomass are much higher than any other terrestrial system (Briand and Cohen, 1987). Forest products are numerous and available season wise. Their collection and pattern of use varies with the socio-cultural and economic condition of each household. Biomass of NTFPs that are gathered regularly and or in large amount was quantified.  The quantities of items collected were made through recall method using personal skill and knowledge. Approximate amount and values such as one handful, one head load, one bag, number, one full sack etc. were obtained from the respondents. The quantities were measured based on indirect estimation supported by personal judgment and cross checked through informants. In case bundle of some bundle of Sal leaf plates, bundle of Kendu leaves, some fodder items were even weighed using spring balance, therefore accuracy to a large extent could be certained.

The information which are collected from the household level regarding NTFPs such as:

• Parts available,
• Parts collected,
• Seasons of availability,
• Seasons of collection,
• Purpose of use,
• Protocol regarding collection (if any),
• Demand of item in the local market.

2. Estimating economic value of NTFPs

The value of NTFPs is determined from the current local market prices of the items. The community does satisfy their own need from these NTFPs initially and then they do market of these NTFPs.

Table1: Shows the current market value of some NTFPs

Fig1 : Showing the collected fuel woods

3. Marketing of the NTFPs

It has been estimated from the household data; approximately 20% of the villagers are entirely depended on the NTFPs. They do market of these NTFPs through direct or indirect channels via some contractors and mahajans in the local market of Bisnupur or in the market of Orissa and Calcutta. While the remaining villagers involve with some other occupations such as agriculture, daily wages, small business etc and they partially depend on the NTFPs.  Some villagers who involve in the direct marketing of the NTFPs are,

• Abu Chowdhury,
• Amin Ali,
• Siraj Mustafa,
• Rahim Haji,
• Saina Bibi etc.

Fig2: Graph shows the percent frequency of direct & indirect marketing of some NTFPs

4. Items of NTFPs

Approximately 55 species became the focus of this study and all the usages of the items reported by the villagers were recorded. Altogether 6 different plant parts are used by the local people such as: seed, leaf, fruit, stem, bark, seedling or saplings. On the other hand the whole parts of some species are also used. Some plants play an important role for attracting the insects due to their colorful parts and smell which ultimately results the random pollination of the forest. Sal leaves are also used for marketing household articles such as leaf plates for both household and market consumption. Flowers are commonly used for ritual and ornamental purpose. Fruits are generally used as a source of food and Bel has a rich medicinal value. Seeds are used as food and for oil extraction. Some seeds are with medicinal value. The medicinal shrubs are very effective to manufacture several medicines. Mushrooms are with high protein and used as an edible item. Dry leaves of some species are utilized as an effective fuel. In addition to this dry woods and various shrubs are used as rich source of fuel.

5. Income from NTFPs

Many house holds have diversified income earning activities based on NTFPs. It has been noticed that the income from the NTFPs ranges from Rs. 500/- to Rs. 8,000/- as per month and per households. This income depends on the seasonal changes such as the income from mushrooms and medicinal plants are variable due seasonal changes.

Fig 3: Graph shows the percent frequency of different plant parts (NTFPs) are used

Fig: 4 Graph shows the percent frequency of number of parts of plants used as NTFPs

5. Conclusion

• Sal coppice regenerating forests have tremendous natural ability to establish rich biodiversity.
• People frequently use 55 species for different purposes.
• It demonstrates the flow of biomass of NTFPs into household of villagers.
• Approximately 20% of the households are generating their income from these NTFPs.
• The maximum income generation from the NTFPs is Rs. 8,000/- per month per household

NTFP Assessment

Non-Timber Forest Products play a important role in sustaining rural communities, particularly those living close to forest areas.  NTFPs include a wide variety of forest products, such as resins, mushrooms, bamboo, medicinal plants, wild fruits and vegetables, as well as firewood and wildlife.  NTFPs not only serve as a safety net in times of food shortage, but also as a valuable source of household materials and income.  Despite the high dependence on NTFPs among forest users, there are still many barriers inhibiting the generation of greater benefits from these resources. Such barriers include issues of tenure security, lack of processing skills and limited market access. Positive changes have been brought upon the natural forest resource base and it’s utilization for generating sustainable livelihood through simple techno-interventions.

IBRAD survey of major NTFPs available in the forest areas are done at FPC level following the standard ecological methods like quadrate method, transact method etc. IBRAD is carrying out NTFP study work in the forests of South West Bengal with two main dimensions of classification of the FPCs and assessment of NTFPs and the Marketing opportunities.