Economic Analysis of Non-Timber Forest Products with Reference to the Tribal Entrepreneurs in Jharkhand

Purpose : The present study aimed to analyze the economic benefits earned from the non-timber forest products (NTFPs) such as sal leaf, mahua flower, tamarind, lac, siali leaf, and chironji seeds by the tribal entrepreneurs of West Singhbhum district of Jharkhand.

Methodology : The present study was conducted in the West Singhbhum district of Jharkhand ; 272 samples were collected from the tribal entrepreneurs of six villages, Bila, Baraebir, Bara, Dewanbir, Gobindpur, and Bhalurangi, consisting of two blocks, Goilkera and Sonua. We asked the respondents about what forest resources they depended on, the use of products, the time of collection, and the earnings throughout the year.

Findings : Collection, processing, and selling of NTFPs are the prime activities tribal entrepreneurs do to generate income. Tribal entrepreneurs are more dependent on the NTFPs as there is an enormous increase in the annual household income, which leads to improved socioeconomic conditions and poverty alleviation.

Practical Implications : Policy should be made towards implementing conducive and supportive schemes for the marketing and business processes of the NTFP products.

Originality : The majority of tribes of Jharkhand are dependent on the NTFPs for their livelihood development. The study is novel as literature lacks on NTFP products and their economic analysis.