Potential Resources of NTFPs and Socio-economic Empowerment in the Rural Economy of Telangana, India

Abstract

Forests are very important resources for the livelihood, sustenance and for commerce generation to forest inhabitants. Non-timber forest products (NTFPs) such as medicinal, leaves, flowers (corolla), fruits, seeds, bamboos, gums, resins offer seasonal employment to local people and provide socio-economic empowerment in the rural economy. The present study focuses on the NTFPs as potential resources and their role in livelihoods improvement of rural people of Telangana, India. Hence, over exploitation and unscientific harvesting practices are the major threats for the loss of natural resources and the present study highly recommends the conceptual framework for the conservation and sustainable management of NTFPs for their bio-based economy potential to the poorest section of society.