An integrated value chain analysis of non-timber forest products: a case of Jharkhand State of India

This study explored value chain analysis of three non-timber forest products and the findings are based on primary data that includes 387 households and 33 small traders in 62 villages of Khunti District in Jharkhand, India. The results revealed that 70% of the upstream actors are women, yet their role remains limited to NTFP collection. The vertical relationship between upstream and downstream actors is also confined to the sale of NTFPs, with limited resource or information exchange. However, the downstream actors are open to resource and information sharing with each other. The gross margin analysis revealed that wholesalers obtained the highest monetary benefit followed by small traders, whereas the NTFP collectors received the lowest monetary benefits as follows; Kerria lacca (1.84 USD/kg), for Madhuca longifolia (0.29 USD/kg) and (USD 0.29/kg) for Tamarindus indica respecively. The study further identifies constraints faced by the NTFP collectors in terms of governance and the market structure. Based on the findings key recommendations such as skill enhancement of NTFP collectors, infrastructural development at village level and policy frameworks can help in development of NTFPs into small scale enterprises.