Nagaland, 10th August 2026 (Nokinketer News): A study by Nagaland University has identified 47 Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) across 20 villages in Nagaland and Meghalaya, highlighting their significant contribution to tribal livelihoods, household income and biodiversity conservation.

The study, covering 250 households, documented the collection, utilisation, seasonal availability and economic value of plant- and animal-based NTFPs. Researchers found that communities primarily use these forest resources as food, beverages, medicines and other value-added products, while surplus produce is sold in local markets.

Bamboo shoot emerged as the highest-return NTFP in Meghalaya, while wild black pepper was the most common and highest-return NTFP in Nagaland.

The researchers stressed the need for scientific identification, ecological assessment and structured harvesting guidelines to ensure sustainable utilisation of NTFPs. They also highlighted their potential to generate employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for forest-dependent communities, particularly in remote areas.

Nagaland University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Jagadish Kumar Patnaik said the study was an important step towards recognising the economic potential of forest resources and strengthening rural livelihoods and food security in the region. He expressed hope that the findings would contribute to policy decisions and sustainable natural resource management.

Prof. Sanjoy Das of the Department of Agricultural Economics said the economic value of many NTFPs remains inadequately recognised despite India’s rich biodiversity. He said the study documented collection and utilisation patterns and assessed the economic value of commonly available NTFPs in selected areas of Nagaland and Meghalaya.

The findings have been published in the Indian Journal of Ecology. The paper was co-authored by Limasunep Ozukum, Prof. Sanjoy Das, Prof. Amod Sharma, Prof. R. Nakhro, Prof. N.K. Patra, Prof. Manoj Dutta and M. Jangyukala of the School of Agricultural Sciences, Nagaland University, Medziphema Campus.

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