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The tribal communities of Bilaspur forest division are dependent on forest resources. A study was conducted in 2009 at Khudia range of Bilaspur forest division to enumerate the forest resources and their utilization for livelihood of tribal's of the area. The total of 29 wild edible plant species belonging to 21 families were found in the range contributing to life sustaining of tribal communities in the area. The Caesalpiniaceae, Anarcardiaceae and Combretaceae were the dominate plant families contributed (9%) each followed by (6%) of Sapotaceae, Leguminosae, Poaceae, Moraceae, Rutaceae and Stericuliaceae by each family. The Dioscoreaceae contributed only (4%) among the families in the range and (3%) by other remaining families. The study reveals that it is the wild edible fruits which are utilized maximum 24% for sale as well as for domestic consumption followed by root and tuber (20%), leaf and pod (20%), seeds (18%) and flowers (12%). The study concluded that the biodiversity of non-timber forest produce are collected unscientifically and leads to the destruction of these valuable NTFPs in the area. For further exploitation, the produce should be harvested in scientific manner and emphasis should be given on the plantation of these commercially important NTFPs that would improve the income-generating source as well as help to conserve the existing biodiversity of the region.
Key words: Biodiversity, NTFPs, Tribals, Livelihood, Khudia range.
INTRODUCTION
Non-timber forest products can be defined as "all tangible animal and plant products other than industrial timber which can be collected from forests for subsistence and trade" (Ros-Tonen et al., 1995). It includes products like resin, gum, wild fruits and nuts, wild vegetables, bamboo, canes, fodder, medicinal plants, honey, fibre, oil, dye, housing materials, wild animals, insects etc. NTFPs in recent years have gained an unusual significance throughout the world in determining the rural economy and simultaneously conserving the biodiversity in tropical regions (Ros-Tonen et al., 1995; Uma Shankar et al., 1996). The Chhattisgarh State has MFP (trading and development) federation limited which is the nodal agency for all activities related to NTFPs in state. The federation manages the collection and trade of seven nationalized NTFPs through a network of 32 district union and 913 primary co-operative societies of collectors (Bhatnagar, 2002).
Chhattisgarh is one of the largest...