Guwahati, Aug. 10 -- From bamboo shoots in Meghalaya to wild black pepper in Nagaland, forest products are playing an important role in supporting food security and household incomes among tribal communities in the Northeast, a new study by Nagaland University has found.

The study identified 47 non-timber forest products (NTFPs) collected and used by communities in selected villages of Nagaland and Meghalaya, highlighting their economic importance and contribution to rural livelihoods.

Conducted across 20 villages and 250 households, the research examined how communities collect, consume and market forest products. While most of the NTFPs are used as food, several also have medicinal and household applications. Surplus produce is sold i...