Tamarind Harvesting, Processing, and Marketing: A Case Study of Tribal Livelihoods in Bastar Forest Area, Chhattisgarh, India
Department of Forestry and Wildlife, School of Studies in Forestry & Wildlife. Shaheed Mahendra Karma Vishwavidyalaya, Jagdalpur, District - Bastar, Chhattisgarh, India
*Corresponding author
Abstract:
This case study documents tamarind harvesting, primary processing, storage, and marketing among tribal households in Dabpal and Belar villages of Lohandiguda block, Bastar, Chhattisgarh. A household-level survey of 100 families, comprising 50 households from each village, was used to describe patterns of participation, processing practices, value addition, and marketing. Particular attention was given to the roles of household members, local processing methods, storage and by-product use, and the channels through which tamarind was sold. The study uses descriptive analysis to summarize household responses and to examine the reported contribution of tamarind-related income to household livelihoods. The findings are interpreted as evidence from the surveyed households rather than as a region-wide estimate. The case study highlights the seasonal importance of tamarind as a forest-based livelihood resource and identifies value addition and improved market access as areas with potential for further livelihood development, while recognizing the need for larger and more systematic studies to quantify household-level economic outcomes.
Keywords:
Tamarind harvesting, Tribal livelihoods, Bastar, Chhattisgarh, Non-timber forest products (NTFPs), Value addition and marketing
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How to cite this article:
Nishant Ghode. 2026. Tamarind Harvesting, Processing, and Marketing: A Case Study of Tribal Livelihoods in Bastar Forest Area, Chhattisgarh, India
Int.J.Curr.Microbiol.App.Sci.
15(9): 96-105
doi:
https://doi.org/10.20546/ijcmas.2026.1509.012
Citations
National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAAS) 
