Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) of North East India

 

1. Introduction

Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) encompass all biological materials other than timber that are extracted from natural forests for human use. In North East India, a global biodiversity hotspot, NTFPs play a critical role in the socio-economic and nutritional security of indigenous communities.

2. Bamboos and Canes (Rattan)

A. Distribution

●       Bamboo: North East India is often called the "Bamboo Paradise," harbouring over 50% of India's bamboo genetic resources. Major species like Bambusa tulda, Dendrocalamus hamiltonii, and Meloconna baccifera are found extensively in Assam, Mizoram, and Manipur.

●       Canes/Rattan: Primarily distributed in the evergreen and semi-evergreen forests of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and Meghalaya. Calamus species are the most dominant.

B. Parts Used and Method of Use

●       Shoots: Young, tender bamboo shoots are harvested during the monsoon. They are consumed fresh, fermented (e.g., Khorisa in Assam, Soibum in Manipur), or dried.

●       Culms: Used for housing, handicrafts, and tool making.

●       Canes: The flexible stems are utilised for furniture, baskets, and bridge construction.

C. Nutritive Value

●       Bamboo shoots are rich in fibre, potassium, and vitamins.

●       They contain bioactive compounds but require proper processing (boiling or fermentation) to remove cyanogenic glycosides.

3. Wild Medicinal Plants

A. Distribution

●       High-altitude regions of Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim host species like Aconitum and Coptis teeta.

●       Tropical belts of Assam and Tripura are rich in Sarpagandha (Rauvolfia serpentina) and Amalaki.

B. Parts Used and Method of Use

●       Roots/Rhizomes: E.g., Coptis teeta (Mishmi Teeta) used for malarial fever.

●       Leaves/Bark: Infusions or pastes are applied topically or ingested for various ailments like dysentery, skin diseases, and fractures.

4. Wild and Lesser-Known Fruits

A. Distribution

●       Widespread across all eight states, occurring in primary forests and home gardens. Common species include Artocarpus heterophyllus (Jackfruit), Spondias pinnata, and Garcinia species.

B. Parts Used and Method of Use

●       Flesh: Consumed raw as snacks.

●       Processing: Many are used to make traditional pickles, dried concentrates (e.g., Amsot), or souring agents in meat and fish curries.

C. Nutritive Value

●       These fruits are exceptional sources of Vitamin C, antioxidants, and minerals like calcium and magnesium.

●       Garcinia species are known for hydroxycitric acid (HCA), which aids in weight management.

5. Fern Leaves, Roots, Cones, and Seeds

A. Distribution and Use

●       Ferns: Diplazium esculentum (Dhekia) is a ubiquitous wild vegetable found along stream banks and moist forest floors. The tender "fiddleheads" are sautéed as a delicacy.

●       Cones and Seeds: Seeds of Gnetum gnemon and various wild nuts are roasted or boiled. Cones of certain gymnosperms in high altitudes are occasionally used in traditional crafts.

B. Nutritive Value

●       Wild ferns are high in iron, phosphorus, and beta-carotene.

●       Wild seeds provide essential fatty acids and proteins often lacking in local cereal-based diets.

6. Wild Honey and Mushrooms

A. Distribution

●       Wild Honey: Collected from the hives of Apis dorsata in dense forests of the region.

●       Mushrooms: Proliferate during the rainy season. Species like Schizophyllum commune and Termitomyces are highly prized in Nagaland and Manipur.

B. Method of Use

●       Honey is used as a natural sweetener and a medicinal base for cough and wound healing.

●       Mushrooms are used in stews, often smoked or dried for year-round consumption.

C. Nutritive Value

●       Mushrooms are excellent "meat substitutes," rich in high-quality protein, B-vitamins, and minerals.

●       Wild honey contains unique phenolic compounds depending on the forest flora.

References

●       CABI Compendium. (n.d.). Bombax ceiba (silk cotton tree).

●       CABI Compendium. (2020). Dipterocarpus retusus.

●       Grow-Trees. (2026). Hollong: Northeast India's towering rainforest giant.

●       IP International Journal of Comprehensive and Advanced Pharmacology. (2022). Bombax ceiba plant.

●       Research Journal of Pharmacy and Technology (RJPT). (2020). Review on traditional uses, biological activities, phytoconstituents of Bombax ceiba Linn.

●       Thakur, S. K., et al. (2002). An early assessment of Dipterocarpus retusus progeny trial.

●       Wikipedia. (2026). Bombax ceiba.

●       World For Nature. (n.d.). Assam ST - Hollong (Dipterocarpus retusus).