Treasures from Mountain to Market: A Comprehensive Exploration of the Collection, Processing, and Market Value of NTFPs in the Karbi Tribe of Assam, India

Non-timber forest products (NTFPs) have served as a vital source of food, medicine, and various handicrafts for indigenous populations residing in forest areas. These products are typically sustainably harvested from forests, fostering a mutually beneficial relationship between the forest ecosystems and the communities that rely on these resources. The current study aims to explore the diversity of non-timber forest products in the Garampani and Nambor Wildlife Sanctuaries of Karbi Anglong district, Assam, Northeast India. The study employed a multistage sampling method. Forty respondents were interviewed from five randomly selected villages, using a carefully designed semi-structured questionnaire to investigate the use of non-timber forest products (NTFPs). The collected data were analysed using quantitative indices. A total of 140 NTFPs were collected from the study area. Among these, 59 species are used for ethnomedicinal purposes, 30 for wild edibles, 18 for household items, 10 for herbal dyes, 9 for spices and condiments, 8 for ethnoveterinary practices, and 6 for ichthyotoxic plants. Species exhibiting high values for both ICF and FL% hold potential for the development of new, cost-effective, efficient, and environmentally friendly herbal remedies that could improve healthcare management and bring economic and social benefits to the indigenous community. Many NTFPs are sustainably collected from the mountains by the Karbi community, contributing to household income through sales in the local market and supporting their livelihoods. The present study highlights that NTFPs have been integral to the healthcare and livelihoods of the Karbi community across generations and remain essential to their way of life.