Beneficial insects are one of the important economic components of forest ecosystem. Their exploitation had been historically linked with tribal economy especially in the Bastar Plateau and Northern Hills Sarguja Region, in which the whole of Chhattisgarh forms a part. Therefore, exploiting insects producing lac, silk and honey are important in terms reality and/or potentiality of their products. Besides, culturing of these insects is attractive in terms economic returns as well as suitable for the land and culture of people of region.

Century-old teak plantation business loses ground in India because of poor management and short-sighted policies.

It is important to understand the strong linkage that exists between food security, forest and resource conservation. Studies conducted over a decade in India clearly point to the fact that a majority of people in this country survive within a biomass based subsistence economy.

Non timber forest products (NTFPs) play a vital role in sustaining rural communities, particularly those living adjacent to forest areas. In India, it is estimated that over 50 million people are dependent on NTFPs for their subsistence and derive their earnings from these products after consuming about 60% of NTFPs.

Non-timber forest products (NTFPs) generate sizeable magnitudes of income and employment in different parts of the world for the tribal and poor people. The evidence is based on the review of past studies across different continents. The study presents a collective evidence for the role of NTFPs in development in low and underdeveloped sectors of the world.

Forest people across India are being denied their legitimate right to collect and trade in minor forest produce. Down To Earth correspondents travelled to Jharkhand, Chhatisgarh, MP, AP, Maharashtra & Orrisa to unravel the conspiracy.