Utilization pattern of non-timber forest products (NTFPS) in Siddapura taluk of Uttara Kannada district of western Ghat region, Karnataka

Abstract

Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) are an integral part of development and survival of people living in and around forests. The potential economic value of NTFPs either in terms of utilization or their market value is often underestimated or unknown. The present study was conducted to document NTFPs collected by local people and their usage in Heggarani, Hutgar and Hukli villages of Siddapur taluk by participatory discussion method through the questioner survey. In the present study, a total of 19 NTFP species belonging to 17 families are documented. Among different NTFP species, Garcinia gummigutta (100%), Garcinia indica (100%), Artocarpus lacucha (100%) are the major species harvested in high quantity. The edible fruits (41%) are the major NTFP products harvested by the farmers followed by bark (14%), seed (14%), leaves (9%), aril (9%) and roots (9%). Maximum revenue is obtained from Garcinia gummigutta (Rs. 82,666/annum) followed by Garcinia indica (Rs. 18,540/annum.