A study by Nagaland University has identified 47 non-timber forest products (NTFPs) across villages in Nagaland and Meghalaya, highlighting their significant contribution to the livelihoods, food security and local economies of forest-dependent tribal communities.
The study, conducted across 20 villages covering 250 households, documented 47 plant- and animal-based NTFPs and assessed their collection patterns, utilisation and economic value. Researchers found that these forest resources are widely used by local communities as food, beverages, medicines and other value-added products, while surplus produce is sold in local markets to generate additional household income.
The researchers have called for scientific assessment, sustainable harvesting practices and structured management guidelines to ensure that NTFPs remain available for future generations. They also noted that these resources have the potential to generate employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for marginalised communities living in remote forest areas, providing an additional source of income beyond traditional agriculture.
The findings have been published in the peer-reviewed Indian Journal of Ecology. 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.
A key finding of the research was the scientific identification and classification of the 47 NTFPs, most of which were used primarily for nourishment, followed by therapeutic purposes. The researchers also documented the plant parts commonly used, seasonal availability, frequency of collection, average time spent on collection trips and the distance travelled by villagers to gather the products.
According to the study, bamboo shoot emerged as the highest-return NTFP in Meghalaya, while wild black pepper was the most commonly collected and highest-return NTFP in Nagaland.
Prof. Sanjoy Das of the Department of Agricultural Economics, Nagaland University, said the economic value of many NTFPs remains inadequately recognised despite India’s rich biodiversity. He said the study sought to document commonly available NTFPs, understand their collection and utilisation patterns and assess their economic value, while highlighting the need for sustainable management.
Nagaland University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Jagadish Kumar Patnaik said the research addressed important socio-economic and ecological priorities of the Northeast. He said recognising the economic value of NTFPs could help strengthen rural livelihoods and food security while promoting sustainable utilisation of forest resources.
The study noted that Northeast India accounts for more than 33 per cent 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 about 126 have developed marketability, pointing to the need for greater scientific identification and economic valuation.
The researchers stressed that the importance of NTFPs extends beyond their market value. Their contribution to ecological services, household subsistence and cultural practices makes them an integral part of the lives of forest-dependent tribal communities.
The study therefore emphasised that scientific assessment, sustainable harvesting and better market development could help transform NTFPs into a more reliable source of livelihood while ensuring the long-term conservation of the region’s rich biodiversity.
