ROLE OF MINOR FOREST PRODUCES (MFPS) IN THE LIVELIHOOD OF TRIBALS. (WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO KOTA BLOCK OF BILASPUR DISTRICT IN CHHATTISGARH)
The present study is an effort towards to understand the livelihood status of tribals through the collection and
production of minor forest produces (MFP). Forests provide a means of survival to a large population, mainly the
tribes who completely depend on forests for their livelihood. Most of the tribes are closely related to forests for
their shelter and basic needs. The tribes which are known to live in forests are laborious. They directly depend on
natural products for their income, living and employment. The main aim of the paper is to analyse the role minor
forest produce in income and employment for tribes and to know the other sources of income and employment
for tribes. The study is carried out in Kota block of Bilaspur district in Chhattisgarh state. This study is based upon
primary data obtained by well-prepared questionnaire through field survey. Multistage sampling method has been
used for the selection of the sample. Kota block is selected purposively and 50-50 households were selected
through stratified random sampling each of from forested region and non-forested region. The present study
reveals that the bamboo products (broom and basket) and mahua flower, Sal seed etc. are main sources for tribal
livelihood in forested region and Tendu leaves and making Dona-Pattal (Leave Plates) are the main source of
income in non-forested region.
Tribes, Livelihood, MFPs, Forested and Non-Forested Villages.