Seasonality of arrival and price analysis of non-timber forest products (NTPFS): Broomstick in Meghalaya

The North eastern region of India is rich in natural resources and is rich in non-timber forest products. Most of the communities in hilly areas of the region dwelling near the forest are dependent on forest resources and NTFPs for their livelihood .Broomstick is one such commodity in Meghalaya which is fetching the people high income and is marketed to various places. The study has been taken with the view to study the trend and seasonality of arrivals and prices of broomstick in the East Khasi Hills district in the Mawiong market of Meghalaya. Secondary data collected for year 2013-14 to 2022-23 from AGMARKNET. The results revealed that high seasonal indices of arrival seen for broomstick (334.68%) from February to March and for prices (118%) from October to December. Broom grass is harvested by December and January and continues till March, so arrival of broomstick is highest in these months as supply is more demand is less so the prices goes down. The price of broom stick was found to be highest during November as the quantity arrival was found to be lowest in this month The Compound annual growth rate (CAGR) for the arrival was negative (-0.206 %) due to the new market establishment and for prices it is positive (6.32 %) but there was high fluctuation as the co-efficient of variation was very high i.e., 41.08 per cent. Thus, measures should be taken to support the livelihood of the communities for better income along with the sustainable management of the non-timber forest products and forest resources for the long term sustainability.