The Productivity and Utilization of Non Wood Forest Products (NWFPs) under Agroforestry Systems for Rural Livelihood and Economy in Western Ghats Region of Karnataka (India)

Non Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) are the most sustainable source of revenue in lieu of the present scenario of restricted harvesting or no harvesting of trees, apart from Eco-tourism. Over 50% of the forest revenue and 70% of income from exports come from NTFPs and they provide 50% of income for 20-30% of the rural and tribal people in India. The forests of Uttara Kannada district are abundant with so many Non Timber Forest Products such as Sapindus laurifolia (Antawala / Soapnut), Vateria indica (Dhoop), Garcinia indica (Murugalu), Garcinia gummigatta (Uppage), Artocarpus lakoocha (Vate), Mangifera indica (Mango), Anacardium occidentale (Cashewnut), etc. These NTFP trees are naturally grown in the betta lands and not planted by land holders, whereas cashewnut and mango trees are planted by betta holders and the yield from these trees is used only for house hold purposes. The produces are disposed by open auction per Unit area of forest which is clearly described in the Tender Notification. The person who offers highest price usually have the right to collect or harvest NWFP of that area for a prescribed period which is ordinarily for two years on contract. The contractors engage their persons to collect/harvest the produces generally under the supervision of Forest officials. After collection the produces require transit permits for the transporting them to markets. The Forest Department has also encouraged the conservation of these forest produces by the forming Village Forest Committees (VFCs) as a part of Joint Forest Planning and Management (JFPM). Under mechanism of benefit sharing, each village forest committee member has his/her share in NWFP of that area, thus the plants, which produce NWFPs, are being protected. The total proceeds derived from the sale of forest produce shall be shared between the Government and the VFC. Non Timber Forest Produces are shared with 10% to Government and 90% to VFC. Out of the share of the VFC, a minimum of 50% shall go to the Village Forest Development Fund (VFDF) and the balance will be shared by the members of the VFC as dividends or will go to the Village Development Fund (VDF) as decided by the VFC. Many of the NWFPs, which can be grown in the lands of farmers and natural forests as well. These will generate income and employment to the people. Many areas which are covered under waste lands can be improved by planting these plants, thus biodiversity of the plants in the area can be conserved. Moreover, quality of the produce grown in farms expected to be uniform and better. This is the right time to initiate and conduct Agroforestry activities for NWFP, which have the potential of changing the landscape of the country to a great extent.  Key Words: Non Timber Forest Products (NTFPs), Mechanism of benefit sharing, Village Forest Committees, Village Forest Development Fund (VFDF), Joint Forest Planning and Management (JFPM).