Problem and Challenges on Collection and Marketing of Minor Forest Produce (MFP) in Dumka, Jharkhand: An Empirical Study

Development Studies, Indigenous Knowledge System, Gender Studies

Nature has rewarded innumerable gifts in the form of minor forest produce. Due to high biodiversity in Santal Pargana, minor forest produce is found in abundance here. Most of the tribals in Santal Pargana live in or near the forest area. Primitive tribes are mainly dependent on minor forest produce. Their requirements and source of income is only minor forest produce. At present, due to increasing demand and limited availability of minor forest produce, minor forest produce plays an important role in tribal economy. From the social and economic point of view, tribals are completely dependent on minor forest produce. The existence and means of earning livelihood of tribals is connected with the collection and marketing of minor forest produce. Tribals fulfil their economic and daily needs by collecting and selling minor forest produce. The present research paper is in the context of the contribution of minor forest produce in the tribal economy. In this study, the author has discussed what is minor forest produce, the collection and marketing system of minor forest produce, and the efforts made by the Government of Jharkhand for tribals. Tribals of Santal Pargana face many problems in the collection and marketing of these minor forest produce. Small contractors and middlemen exploit these innocent tribals to the fullest. At the same time, the government also suffers losses due to less revenue. Therefore, in the interest of the tribals and the government, it is necessary to develop a proper collection and marketing system of minor forest produce and it should be used appropriately, so that the economic condition of the tribals can be improved.

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