Non-wood Forest Products Contribution in Tribal Economy: (a Case Study in South Bihar and South West Bengal)

Abstract

NWFP contribute significantly in tribal/rural economy. It offers employment to about one million every year. In South Bihar and South Western part of West Bengal the NWFP viz. Mahuwa flowers and seeds, Sal seeds and leaves; Kendu leaves. Tamarind and Mushrooms emerged as major products collected by tribals of this region. Out of total forest revenue of Bihar, about 17% is contributed by NWFP and in West Bengal it is only 1.7% oftotal forest revenue. In South Bihar about 41% families collect Mahuwa flowers and in South Western West Bengal about 73% families collect Sal leaves for augmentation of their income. However, processing technology is lacking in these States which needs to be developed.