Author(s):

SR Sahoo, NK Panda, SN Subudhi and HK Das

Abstract: This paper presents a study carried out in eight districts of Southern Odisha during September 2015 - June 2016 in phases with a structured questionnaire. The information were collected through PRA method on different parameters of study, analysed and recorded. The genders and family size with different land holdings of respondents have a greater role and varied significantly. Agriculture provided maximum of 116 days of engagement covering 32% mandays in a year and contributed maximum amount of Rs. 14356 (37%) followed by NTFP sector with an average of 112 days of engagement with 31% mandays contributing Rs. 12374 (32%). The farm labor sector and other sector generated 12% and 11% mandays, respectively. The average income of households in the study area was Rs. 38,765. However, 29% of respondents were in the category of Rs. 24, 000- 36, 000 and 7% of respondents were in the category of > 60, 000 income groups. Average expenditure in the study area was Rs. 36, 813 with net saving of 5% per annum. 21 major NTFPs were found to be available largely during the months of February to May followed by October to January and the least was from July to September. As per expert views, the NTFPs can play a major role in livelihood option as well as economic development of forest dwellers.

Pages: 81-85  |  1486 Views  824 Downloads

Download (528KB)