The role of non-timber forest products in poverty reduction in India: prospects and problems

摘要: The vast natural resources of India's forests, including non-timber forest products (NTFPs), such as medicinal and aromatic plants, leaves, fruits, seeds, resins, gums, bamboos, canes, offer employment that provides up to half the income about 25 per cent country's rural labour force. However, poor harvesting practices over-exploitation in face increasing market demand are threatening sustainability these resources, thus livelihoods forest-dependent tribal communities. This article analyses role NTFPs livelihoods-improvement initiatives considers recent intended enhance their conservation sustainable management. It recommends policies optimise potential NTFPs, both support contribute social, economic, environmental well-being.