ROLE OF MINOR FOREST PRODUCTS IN TRIBAL ECONOMY OF INDIA : A CASE STUDY

Abstract

A study was carried out to assess the extent of tribal involvement in the collection and marketing of minor forest products (MFPs) by the largest cooperative society operating in the province of Tamil Nadu, viz. the Sathyamangalam Hill Tribes LAMP Cooperative Society. Around 83% of the members were tribals who were actively involved in MFP collection. Non-tribals and Adi Dravidars comprised the remaining members. On an average, the tribals spent eight to ten hours a day for collection of MFPs. During the fanning season, 20 % of the tribal households also worked as agricultural labourers. Through MFP collection, the tribals earned on an average Rs. 11 180 per annum per household of three earning members. Among the MFPs, amla topped the list yielding a revenue of Rs. 24.57 lakhs in an year followed by broom grasses, and stone and tree moss. In terms of quantity, broom grasses were the most followed by amla, and stone and tree moss. Two marketing channels were operating for the MFP trade, of which Channel I fetched higher producers' share. The existence of a monopsony in marketing of MFPs in tribal areas leads to inefficiency in their marketing. Remedial measures are discussed.