Journal of Biology and Nature

Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) play a crucial role in sustaining the livelihoods of millions of forest-dependent communities in India, with special significance in the tribal-dominated state of Chhattisgarh. This review examines the seasonal collection cycles, utilisation patterns, and socio-economic importance of NTFPs in the region. Chhattisgarh, often termed the “Herbal State of India,” harbours diverse forest ecosystems that provide a wide range of products such as mahua (Madhuca indica), tendu (Diospyros melanoxylon), sal (Shorea robusta), tamarind (Tamarindus indica), chironji (Buchanania lanzan), harra (Terminalia chebula), and lac. The study highlights how seasonal variations influence harvesting practices, with distinct peaks in summer, monsoon, and winter. This is a systematic review of secondary literature (2000–2024). NTFPs serve as an essential source of food, medicine, cultural uses, and income generation, especially for tribal households. Women and children contribute significantly to collection, reflecting the social and gender dimensions of NTFP dependence. However, NTFPs face challenges such as overexploitation, market instability, climate change impacts, and inadequate value addition. Institutional support, particularly through the Chhattisgarh State Minor Forest Produce Federation and schemes like the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for MFPs, has improved procurement and pricing, but gaps remain in systematic documentation, technology adoption, and cooperative marketing. This review underscores the need for sustainable harvesting practices, innovation in processing and value addition, and strengthening of community-based enterprises to enhance the long-term socio-economic benefits of NTFPs. There is an urgent need for ethnobotanical surveys, digital databases, and GIS-based mapping to capture the diversity and distribution of NTFPs across districts. Such documentation would also help in conservation planning and sustainable utilisation strategies. The way forward lies in integrating conservation with livelihood promotion, encouraging community-led management, and leveraging science and policy frameworks for long-term sustainability. This approach can ensure that NTFPs continue to serve as both a biological asset and an economic lifeline for millions of tribal households in the state.