Minor Forest Product and Marketing: A Case Study of Broom Grass in Meghalaya

Abstract

Broomgrass (Thysanolaena latifolia), an important minor forest produce of Meghalaya grows in the wild in almost all parts of the state. The study was conducted in Mawlong village of Ri-Bhoi district of Meghalaya during the year of 2011-12. Whole sale trading of brooms was a highly monopolized activity. Major portion (65%) of consumers' price goes to the traders and middlemen. The price fixation of the produce should be carried out through open auction method. At present maximum share of produce directly taken by commission agent. Therefore, to improve economy of the people in the state and region, the system of cooperative marketing needs to be developed.