The role of non-timber forest products in the rural economy and their quantitative assessment in the Aravali mountain range of India

Abstract

Rajasthan, the largest state in India, has about 5% of the Indian population, but supports the highest cattle and livestock population. The pressure on the state's forests for the collection of fuel wood, fodder and other Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) is, therefore, very severe. A study was undertaken during 2006?2008 to assess the quantum of availability of NTFPs in the three largest forest divisions of the state, located in the Aravalis. Significant quantities of such NTFPs are collected in this region, with the estimated annual financial value of the NTFPs realised per household varying between Rs. 5965 to Rs. 3678 and the financial value realised per ha of forest area varying between Rs. 2800 to Rs. 3100. The results of the current research would be useful in preparing an ecologically viable policy for the subsistence of forest dwellers and better management of the forest resources in the Aravalis. One of the aims of this study was to contribute to the growing body of research cases which can inform a green economics perspective.