Non-timber forest products (NTFPs) used by Garo tribe of Rongram block in West Garo Hills, Meghalaya

151-161The forests of Garo Hills, Meghalaya has a rich diversity of Non-timber forest products which contribute in different ways for the livelihood of the villagers. The objective of the study is to construct socio-economic profile and to document the available NTFPs in the study area. Present study was carried out in 12 villages of Rongram block in West Garo Hills district viz. Baljek agal, Dorenggre, Bolbokgre, Masumatagre, Waribok, Asanang, Tebronggre, Rombagre, Chibragre, Wakringtonggre, Chandigre and Sakalgre. Data were collected from randomly selected 288 households using pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire. All the households from the 12 villages reported collection of NTFPs. A total of 50 plant species which belongs to 36 families and 50 genera were recorded. Maximum number of plants were recorded for fuelwood (25), followed by wild vegetables with 13 species, wild fruits and medicinal plants with 11 species each, fodder with 6 species, broom with 2 species and 1 species each for thatching and wrapping material. Other NTFPs like mushroom and honey were also collected by the villagers for their livelihood. The study reveals that the Garos are blessed with abundant natural resources of NTFPs with which they can develop their way of living mainly by fuelwood and honey business in a sustainable way