Traditional processing of non- timber forest products in Cachar, Assam, India

Abstract

Non timber forest products (NTFPs) play significant role in the protection of the livelihood safety net of the forest dwellers of North East India. The present study has the objectives of documenting the traditional knowledge pertaining to the processing of non-timber forest products in the Inner Line Reserve Forest (ILRF) of Cachar district, Assam, India. This forest harbours about 21 commercially important NTFPs, 8 of which are subjected to different traditional processing techniques before marketing to ensure their durability and enhanced resistance to fungal and insect attacks. The methodology adopted for conducting this study comprised household survey, interview, focal group discussion, and seasonal field surveys with enumeration of important NTFP taxa. Different traditional processing technologies such as smoking of the product on bamboo trays, sun drying on elevated racks, boiling, etc. comprise simple, cost-effective yet efficient ways of value addition to the products.