PROSPECTS OF NON- TIMBER FOREST PRODUCTS FOR SUSTAINABLE LIVELIHOOD IN JAMMU REGION

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Date
2019-10-21
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Division of Agricultural Extension Education Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology of Jammu Main Campus, Chatha, Jammu
Abstract
Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) refer to a wide array of economic or subsistence materials that come from forests, excluding timber. These are also termed as non-wood, minor and secondary forest products (FAO, 1992). Present study “Prospects of Non- Timber Forest Products for Sustainable Livelihood in Jammu Region” was conducted in Jammu region. The forest area of Jammu division is divided into forest circles, forest divisions, forest ranges, forest blocks and forest beats. Multistage sampling plan was followed for drawl of ultimate sampling units. Jammu region is divided into three forest circle namely East circle, West circle and Chenab circle. The East circle was purposively selected as it covers all the three agro- climatic zones namely Subtropical, Intermediate and Temperate, thus it represents the whole Jammu division. A sample of 150 collectors and 150 non- collectors were selected through systematic sampling for the present study. Results of the study revealed that average age of collectors was 40.58 years (±12.14) whereas in case of non- collectors, the average age was 48.19 years (±14.62) and the difference was significant (t= 4.231, p=0.001). The average farming experience of collectors was 22.62 years (±11.38). However in case of non- collectors, the average farming experience was 27.80 years (±14.22) and the difference was significant (t= 3.603, p= 0.001). The average NTFP collection experience of collectors was 17.19 years (±7.53). About 75 per cent of collectors had kacha house, whereas in case of non- collectors 41 per cent were having kacha house and the difference was significant (t= 4.871, p= 0.001). About 71 per cent of collectors had PHH ration card while 29 per cent had NPHH ration card. In case of non- NTFP collectors 51 per cent had PHH ration card while 49 per cent had NPHH ration card The difference in case of type of ration card was significant (t= 2.899, p= 0.004). The average formal education of collectors was 6.07 years (±3.66) and non- collectors was 7.33 years (±4.29) and difference was found significant (t= 2.928, p= 0.003). Literacy index of household of the collectors was 1.89. In case of household of the non- collectors, literacy index was found to be 2.63. Only three percent of the households were found solely dependent on NTFP income. Non- collectors had significantly more annual household income than collectors. NTFP income contributes 34 percent in the total household income of collectors. Patis (Aconitum chasmanthum) had maximum contribution (9.35%) among other NTFPs in the annual households’ income followed by Gucchi (Morchella esculenta L.) (7.73%), Nag Chhatri (Trillium Govanianum) (4.60%), Banafsaha (Viola canescence) (2.76%), Dhoop (Jurinea macrocephala) (1.35%), Kaurd (Picorhiza kurroa) (1.52%), Muskbala (Valeriana hardwickii) (1.17%), Kasrot (Diplazium esculentum sw.) (0.33%), wild honey (0.19%), Zakham-e- hiyat (Bergenia ciliata Stein.) (0.10%) and Jungli thome (Allium sativum) (0.04%). Result of multiple regression analysis, indicates off- farm income, NTFP availability, agriculture as occupation, NTFP collection experience and source of information together were able to explain the NTFPs dependency up to 40 per cent. The results of the binary regression model showed significant influence of age, education, extension contact, source of information, type of house, literacy index, primary occupation, family size and irrigated landholding on participation in collection of NTFPs. Many problems faced by the respondents in the collection and marketing of NTFPs like lack of markets for NTFPs, no proper weighting of material, risk of wild animals, harmful wild weeds, existence of bad weather etc. Suggestions given by collectors to overcome the problems faced by them in the collection and marketing of NTFPs were training programme should be organized for skill development in collection, processing and marketing of NTFPs, processing units in villages, provision of licence for collection, proper market channels, flexibility in forest rule and regulations for NTFPs collection and selling prices of various NTFPs should be fixed by the government.
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