Forest Governance Paper

Forests have been a source of food and shelter for millions in India. The poor, especially the tribals, have been dependent on forests round the year as it provides employment during agricultural lean season in the form of collection and sale of minor forest produces, fuel wood, etc. Various studies by
government and non-government agencies have established that about 40% of the annual income of poor and the landless come from non-timber forest produce (NTFP). It is estimated that 80% of the population of developing countries use NTFP to meet their needs in health and nutrition (FAO, 1997). A World Bank estimate shows that the medicinal plant industry/herbal market in India is worth 5000 crore INR. NTFP provide about 40 percent of total forest revenues and 55 percent of forest-based employment. In Odisha, the contribution is about 80% and 50% respectively.