Income prospects and challenges of tamarind collectors in Bastar

Abstract

The study was undertaken in Bastar district of Chhattisgarh to analyse the income levels of tamarind collectors who largely belong to tribal and rural households. Primary data was collected from 100 tamarind collectors across nine villages using structured interviews. The analysis employed descriptive statistics and cost-benefit analysis to estimate net incomes. Results revealed that income varied significantly with the quantity of tamarind collected. Collectors with less than 300 kg annual harvest earned a net income of only ?3,150 per year, whereas those harvesting more than 500 kg earned an average of ?9,900. The overall average net annual income was ?5,915 per collector. The findings highlight the critical role of tamarind as a seasonal but vital source of cash income for tribal households. Enhancing market access, reducing dependency on intermediaries, and promoting value addition can significantly improve livelihood security of tamarind collectors.