Indigenous Approaches of Post Harvest Storage for NTFPS among Tribal Communities in Bastar, Chhattisgarh, India

Abstract

The present study was undertaken to identify the various indigenous NWFP storage structures and the methods of storing forest produces in the Dantewada district of Bastar division in Chhattisgarh state during the year 2018-19. The storage structures varied depending on the types and size of NWFPs, climatic conditions and rainfall etc. To fulfill the objectives of study, 60 households were selected randomly as a respondent. The findings if research indicated that most of the spoilage on NWFPs occurs due to improper storage techniques in the study area. It was also observed that NWFPs play a significant role in the economic empowerment of tribes by providing them with almost year-round income and employment. However, they do not get actual returns due to insufficient storage techniques. It is of economic value at the village level, especially for forest-fringed areas tribe, providing a significant source of income the whole year. Apart from this process providing cash income, it also plays an essential role in food security. Even today, in rural areas, forest produce is stored in traditional ways like bamboo bins, sacks made of jute, and plastic sack etc. With the passage of time, storage methods have also changed; this is why people now keep forest produce in plastic drums. But for this, the forest produce should be cleaned and dried thoroughly before storing it, so there is no problem to store. There is still need to invent more methods regarding storage so that the villagers can benefit from it in future.