Chapter IVVSS and other Institutions / Programmes
Collection and Marketing of NTFPs
The NTFPs are the means of livelihood for the tribal communities in the interior forests and for the socially and economically marginalised communities living along the forest fringes. VSS as an organisation of these communities assumes the role of forest mangers to ensure sustainable collection of NTFPs. The collection and marketing of forest produce today face conflict of interests. Traditionally the activities were being performed by forest dwellers or Scheduled Tribes who later were brought under the umbrella of co-operative societies. However there is no reliable data to assess how far these societies succeeded in eliminating individuals or small groups. The systems and approaches of the two organizations attempting to perform identical functions ended up in clashes of interest and conflicts. Hence it is necessary to evolve a strategy to make the two co-exist. There is a need for conceptually redefining the role of these two organisations as well as sharply demarcating the areas of functioning and spell out specific rules for their guidance.
Information from field studies indicate that out of 112 items listed in the NTFP schedule of the Forest Department the co-operative societies take only items which are marketable and non perishable. Hence the trbals do not collect the items that are not accepted by the co-operative societies. As a result these items (plants) either perish or are sold through agents/ middlemen. This activity is against the goals of the co-operative society and the VSS.
The three Chief Conservators of Forests, the MD (SC/ST Federation) and PFM Co-ordinator held a meeting on 1st June 2004 to circumvent this situation. The following measures were suggested during the meeting.
1. A large stock of MFP, (many of them perishable) with the VSS, are not procured by Tribal Co-operative societies on the plea that the materials are not required by them. This is a huge loss for the VSS. In this circumstance, the society may informs/publish periodically the items they require so that VSS can find its own marketing channels for the other items through the FDA as per standard procedure in consultation with the Federation / Society Officials, on a regular basis.
2. The VSS members process many of the MFPS. The Federation does not pay for this value addition. Hence it is not profitable for the VSS to sell through the societies. The SC/ST Federation may fix a price for these processed MFPS so that the VSS could get the benefit for the value added.
3. The Tribal Co_operative Societies procure MFPS at a low price, from the VSS. The SC/ST Federation is to ensure competitive prices.
4. Circle level meetings are to be held regularly for better interaction between the societies the VSS and the FD.
5. Range Officers are to be made presidents of the societies and secretaries from among the Tribals to strengthen the functioning of the existing societies, based on the decision taken in a meeting held between the Hon'ble Minister of Forests and Minister of Co_operation.The above suggestions may be considered to resolve the existing issues on NTFP collection and marketing.
Forests constitute an important segment of our fragile eco-system. It is also a source of sustenance for the weakest sections of our society. The forest as a source of wealth is of national importance. The community dependent on it is also equally important. How far the interests and concerns of the two can be balanced is the most important question. There is a general criticism that all efforts to share the forest space into people in the past - 'Grow more food' (during the first five year plan) Taungya system of cultivation, Raising of Plantations, periodical regularization of encroachment etc. have all resulted only in depleting the forest area. Therefore there has to be a sound policy and close monitoring of all such projects.
Participatory Forest Management in Kerala is in its infancy and hence it is too early to draw a balance sheet on the advantages and disadvantages . The approach allows the forest dependent people to be actual partners in resource management. For this co-ordination of state policies, a transformation in response pattern of the Forest Department officials and communities is essential. The future programme may concentrate on poverty alleviation, gender awareness and radical change in the approach of the Forest Department staff.