The tribal economy is largely affected by forest resources since they mainly live in and around forest areas. But due to increase in population, deforestation on various grounds and excess pressure on forest resources, their income is decreasing. Social forestry, though a welcome step, cannot be treated as a perfect substitute of natural forest. We can neither ignore the interest of the scheduled tribes constituting 8.6% of our population, nor can we afford lose our rich forest resources. At present the per capita income of tribal is only 56% of the per capita income of India. The pressure on forests for Non Timber Forest Products (NTFP) will increase further till we provide them the alternative sources of income. Hence, time has come to make appropriate policy decisions which can ensure their economic growth and protection of forest resources simultaneously. And for the successful implementation, tribal’s involvement is necessary. Their knowledge, culture, tradition, custom, beliefs, practices, opinions, view points and suggestions need to be considered while making plans, policies, schemes, etc., for their economic development. Keeping the objectives, namely protection of forest resources and growth of tribal economy a survey was made in the district of Keonjhar, Odisha. Both primary and secondary data have been collected for the study. As per our findings Goatery, Poultry, Horticulture, Medicine and Spice plants, Sal Leaf Plate making etc., could become the viable sources of income for tribal’s economic growth. The lesser the dependence on forest the more will be the protection and sustainability of forest resources. If solar power could be made a substitute of firewood for cooking purpose, it could perhaps be the most viable step towards protection and sustainable use of forest resources
NTFP, Tribal, Social Forestry, Goatery
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