Mapping of Tribal Products and Assessing the Business Potential in Bhadradri Kothagudem, Telangana |

Tribes in India typically rely on the collection and sale of agricultural and forest goods for their needs and revenue, particularly those who live near or in forest edge settlements. As a result, this study was carried out to document the forest goods collected by the people in order to contribute knowledge that could help boost the forest products' business potential. The study selected sixty (60) respondents from the three tribal groupings of Koya, Kondareddie, and Lambada using a simple random sample technique. Primary data were collected from 20 tribals from each tribal group and the secondary data was collected from sources like Tribal Welfare department, websites, journals, research papers, tribal stores records and books. The result revealed that majority of the forest products were collected by Koya and Kondareddie tribal groups. The products include amla, bamboo, honey, mahua flowers, tamarind and tendu leaves. These groups are also involved in making of bamboo baskets. On the other hand, Amla, tamarind and honey were collected by Lambada group as they are seen to be shifting towards other occupations.From the 216 family members of 60 tribal respondents, about 91 members were involved in collection of forest products. Majority (53%) of the people spend 50 - 100 days in collecting forest produce and around 42% spent 5-8 hours per day. In addition, about 28% each spent 1 - 4 hours and 9 - 12 hours for collection of forest produce in a day. The study also found that all the collected forest products by the tribals in the study area can be further processed to add value and enhance price. The price difference in raw and value added products ranged from 30%to as high as 1593%.

Please see the link :- https://www.journalajaees.com/index.php/AJAEES/article/view/30466