A case study ntfp from Nagpur, Maharashtra

Non-timber forest produces (NTFPs) is the main source of livelihood for thousands of tribals living in the vicinity of forest areas. Honey-wax from Apis dorsata (rockbee) is also proven major NTFP, hunted traditionally by some dare-devil tribals. The continual uninterrupted conventional harvesting in last few decades due to increased demand of honey and wax in the society seems responsible for overall depletion of rock bee colonies in most forest areas in the country and other Asian countries. In the light of this, simple eco-friendly method has been tried for up-gradation of conventional knowledge of some honey hunters in Central India. NCT has also developed lowcost facilities for hygienic storage of honey, processing, bottling, packaging, quality control, etc. As per the honey processing concept, no honey is ultra-heated & ultra-filtered so as to retain the natural delicacy, taste, aroma and medicinal properties. A chemical analysis of honey harvested & processed through these evolved methods qualifies the parameters suggested by marking institutions. In this way, efforts are made to provide sustainable livelihood to the local tribals through the systematic intervention of science & technology in the field of rockbee management.