Dimapur: A Nagaland University study has identified 47 non-timber forest products (NTFPs) used by tribal communities in Nagaland and Meghalaya villages, highlighting their role in supporting livelihoods, local economies and biodiversity conservation.The study, conducted across 20 villages covering 250 households in Nagaland and Meghalaya, identified 47 plant and animal-based NTFPs and assessed their collection, utilisation and economic value.The findings show that forest-dependent tribal communities rely on these resources for household consumption as food, beverages, medicines and other value-added products. Surplus produce is sold in local markets, providing households with supplementary income.The findings were published in Indian Journal of Ecology, a peer-reviewed journal. The paper was co-authored by Limasunep Ozukum, Prof. Sanjoy Das, Prof. Amod Sharma, Prof. R Nakhro, Prof. NK Patra, Prof. Manoj Dutta and M Jangyukala of Nagaland University’s School of Agricultural Sciences, Medziphema campus.A key finding of the study was the scientific identification and classification of 47 NTFPs, most of which are used for nourishment followed by therapeutic purposes.“Through this study, we identified commonly available NTFPs in selected areas of Nagaland and Meghalaya, documented their collection and utilisation patterns, and assessed their economic value, highlighting their importance for rural livelihoods and the need for their sustainable utilisation and management,” Prof. Das said.The study calls for sustainable utilisation and management of NTFPs through ecological assessments and structured harvesting guidelines to ensure these valuable forest resources remain available for future generations.Researchers also highlight the potential of NTFPs to create employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for marginalised communities in remote forest areas, providing income beyond traditional agriculture.
