Abstract

NTFPs AND THEIR CONTRIBUTION TO LIVELIHOOD SECURITY AND INCOME INEQUALITY MITIGATION AMONG LANDLESS RURAL AND TRIBALS OF JHARKHAND

Md. Shahzad Ahmad, Umme Ammara*, Naheed Irfan

Abstract

Tribes holistically depend on forests and forests products as they have symbiotic relationship with the forest’s ecosystem. NTFP-based bioeconomy has given a new dimension to the forest sector. Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) constitute approximately 40% of total forest revenues and 55% of forestbased employment in India, playing a crucial role in sustaining livelihoods and mitigating income inequality among ethnic groups. In India, Jharkhand is so rich in diverse resources specially in green resources. Despite Jharkhand's abundant agricultural resources, rural communities are actively seeking alternative livelihood options. Smallholder agriculture faces challenges from increasing occurrences of unseasonal and extreme weather events, heightening risks and threatening livelihood security. NTFPs serve as a supplementary income source for rural and ethnic population. This study is based on ethnobotanical survey of NTFPs, analyzing medico-cultural values of different species of NTFP sector across four districts Ranchi, Khunti, Deoghar and Sahibganj in Jharkhand using fieldwork research method. The research underscores the active involvement of tribal women in various aspects of NTFP activities and highlights the need for increased awareness and interventions among rural communities. NTFPs encompass all biological materials aside from timber extracted from forests for human use, supporting cultural subsistence, commercial ventures, bioprospecting, and sustainable forest biodiversity. This research, conducted in a protected area, documents the significance of plant-based NTFPs, aiming to guide future investigations, explore medicinal uses, and promote sustainable forest management to benefit local communities.

Keywords: NTFP, Availability, Productivity, Livelihood, Jharkhand.