Role of institutions in collection and marketing of Non-Timber Forest Produces (NTFPS) in Rajasthan

The present study was conducted on Role of institutions in collection and marketing of non-timber forest produces (NTFPs) in Rajasthan. The study was based on secondary data. The results of the study revealed that variety of NTFPs species (44) gathered by the tribal people to sustain their livelihood in the state of Rajasthan. In order to avoid exploitation of people by traders, there are 20 NTFPs for which minimum support prices were fixed by RAJAS Sangh. Minimum support prices were increased ant it was highest for Achaar-A over the years followed by Achaar-B, Daturi, Aritha, Kanaj, Aonla, Puwar, Honey, Ratanjot, Dolma, Baheda and Mahua phool during the study period 2007–08 to 2014–15. The procurement of quantity of minor forest produces by RAJAS Sangh was significantly decreased from 13333.07 quintals in the year 2007–08 to 3641.47 quintals in the year 2013–14. The collection units of Tendu Patta were declined from 226 (year 1994–96) to 168 (year 2015–16) while its collection rate per standard bag was increased from Rs. 250 to Rs. 750 during the same period. About 172 collection units and 1389 collection centres (Phad) were distributed across the six forest divisions Viz., Kota, Udaipur, Ajmer, Jodhpur, Jaipur and Bharatpur for tendu patta. Among the divisions, Kota and Udaipur divisions were dominant in distribution of collection units and collection centres. The income generated to state from Tendu Patta were increased from Rs. 567.34 lakh (year 1994–96) to Rs. 994.59 (year 2015–16) while its production was decreased from 4.21 lakh to 2.62 lakh standard bags during the same period.