Assessment of economically important tree-based NTFPs in Indo-Burma region, Manipur, India

ABSTRACT The present study was undertaken to identify economically important NTFPs yielding tree species. Surveys were conducted in 15 local markets in 7 districts of the state and assessment of value-added forest products were also conducted in Van Dhan Vikas Kendra (VDVK), a nationalized minor forest products market. During the survey, a total of 33 NTFPs yielding tree species with varied uses were recorded. Among those, edible fruit species were found to be the most important category with the most profitable items. Some species like, Baccaurea sapida, Docynia indica, Elaeocarpus floribundus, Phyllanthus emblica, Ficus semicordata, Prunus napaulensis, Rhus semialata, Spondias pinnata and Ziziphus mauritiana were utilised in value addition for making different items like candies, pickles, jams, beverages, etc, which have price range of 400–1200 INR per kg having a far higher market value than the raw form, and eventually improve the income of the locals. Poor transportation and unestablished market channels were some of the constraints faced by the people in the trade of NTFPs. Establishing proper market channels would help in improving livelihood of the locals.