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<p>Purulia district in West Bengal is among the most drought-prone and economically marginal regions of India, where limited irrigation, poor soil fertility and fragmented landholdings hinder agricultural development. Consequently, forest-fringe tribal households rely heavily on non-timber forest products (NTFPs) for subsistence and income. This micro-level study examines the role of NTFPs in the livelihoods of 70 tribal households (35 Santhal and 35 Bhumij) in Kantagora village, utilising household surveys, interviews, market assessments, and field observations conducted between 2020 and 2021, supplemented by secondary sources. Quantitative analysis focuses on the types of NTFPs collected, seasonal availability, harvested quantities and income contributions, alongside demographic characteristics of collectors. Results show that firewood, sal leaves and sabai grass constitute the most important NTFPs, together contributing a substantial share of household subsistence needs and an average of 47% of annual household income. Garrett’s ranking method reveals key constraints, including low market prices, dependence on middlemen, limited value-added skills, poor transportation infrastructure, and negligible institutional support. The study highlights the need for targeted policy interventions, including strengthening SHG/FPO networks, establishing local value-added centres, enhancing market linkages, and promoting sustainable harvesting practices. Such measures are essential for enhancing livelihood resilience and ensuring ecological sustainability in Purulia’s forest-fringe tribal communities.</p>

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Role of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) in livelihood security of forest-fringe tribal communities in Purulia district of West Bengal

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年12月24日

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  • Amit Chatterjee,
  • Sarfaraz Alam,
  • Suvra Maji,
  • Alok Sarkar

摘要

Purulia district in West Bengal is among the most drought-prone and economically marginal regions of India, where limited irrigation, poor soil fertility and fragmented landholdings hinder agricultural development. Consequently, forest-fringe tribal households rely heavily on non-timber forest products (NTFPs) for subsistence and income. This micro-level study examines the role of NTFPs in the livelihoods of 70 tribal households (35 Santhal and 35 Bhumij) in Kantagora village, utilising household surveys, interviews, market assessments, and field observations conducted between 2020 and 2021, supplemented by secondary sources. Quantitative analysis focuses on the types of NTFPs collected, seasonal availability, harvested quantities and income contributions, alongside demographic characteristics of collectors. Results show that firewood, sal leaves and sabai grass constitute the most important NTFPs, together contributing a substantial share of household subsistence needs and an average of 47% of annual household income. Garrett’s ranking method reveals key constraints, including low market prices, dependence on middlemen, limited value-added skills, poor transportation infrastructure, and negligible institutional support. The study highlights the need for targeted policy interventions, including strengthening SHG/FPO networks, establishing local value-added centres, enhancing market linkages, and promoting sustainable harvesting practices. Such measures are essential for enhancing livelihood resilience and ensuring ecological sustainability in Purulia’s forest-fringe tribal communities.