Collection & Sale Of Minor Forest Produce Among The Tribes Of Orissa;A Socio-Structural & Economic Analysis

Abstract

The present volume is based on an empirical study conducted primarily among two Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) of Odisha, namely, the KutiaKondh of Belghar region of Phulbani district and the Hill Kharia of Jashipur area of Mayurbhanj district. The study explores into the complex bases of relationship that exists between the tribes and forests. The broad aspects of the study are: kinds of Minor Forest Produce available in the study area and their modes of collection, seasonal variation in the availability and collection of Minor Forest Produce, marketing of the produce, man days invested for collection of the forest produce, income generated from such forest collections, and above all, collection of forest produce as a the gender based pursuit. The study also highlights the indigenous skills of the people and their methods and modes of forest management and conservation vis-a-vis the forward-looking forest policy of the government. Suggestions and recommendations have been discussed at the end to ensure effective participation of tribal people in procurement of forest produce and conservation of the forest. The varieties of forest produce add to the subsistence of the tribal people. Sale of these produces adds to their income. In the wake of the new forest policy, empirical understanding of collection and sale of minor forest produces by-the tribal people assume greater significance.It is hoped that the book will serve the needs of academics, social scientists and development practitioners interested in understanding the intimate relationship that exists between the tribes and forest. It will help the development practitioners in particular to evolve suitable mechanisms and adopt sustainable measures for conservation and management of forest resources in tribal areas keeping the economic interests of the tribal people at the top.