Non-timber forest products and forest governance

Non-timber forest products (NTFPs) play an important role in the life and economy of people living in and around forests. Many NTFPs are important subsistence products while others are a valuable source of income. India presents a compelling case for the study of NTFPs and their governance. Not only are India’s forests richly endowed with NTFPs, it also has one of the largest populations of forest-dependent people in the world.

This report synthesises findings of three state-level studies on NTFP governance carried out in Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Orissa. The studies focus on five key NTFPs that are important
both economically and ecologically - bamboo, tendu leaves, mahua flowers, tamarind fruit and sal seeds.