Details of Forest Products (MFPs) collected, consumed and marketed by Siddi Tribes in the Western Ghats region of Karnataka is given in Table 1. Antwala emerges as the most extensively collected MFP, totaling 20.93 kg, with a market value of Rs. 508.02, followed by Uppage (18.85 kg, Rs. 1131.00), and Nellikai (17.94 kg, Rs. 260.84). Vatehuli, Honey, Shikakai, Rampatre, and Wax also contribute significantly to the overall collection. In terms of self-consumption, Vatehuli takes precedence, with 14.275 kg consumed per household per month, followed by Antwala, Shikakai, and Uppage. Notably, Wax is not utilized for personal consumption. The marketed quantities reveal Nellikai as the primary product traded, with 14.98 kg, closely trailed by Honey and Uppage. The percentages of marketed quantities highlight that Siddi Tribes engage in market transactions after fulfilling their domestic consumption needs. This data underscores the intricate balance between subsistence and commercial activities within the Siddi tribal communities, providing essential insights for sustainable resource management and socio-economic development.
Table 1
Average collection, self-consumption and marketed Minor Forest Products (per household per month)
Sl.
No.
|
Name of
MFP
|
Collection
|
Consumption
|
Marketed
|
Qty.(kg)
|
Value(Rs.)
|
Qty.(kg)
|
Value(Rs.)
|
Qty.(kg)
|
Value(Rs.)
|
1.
|
Honey
|
17.38
(100.00)
|
3834.09
(100.00)
|
2.77
(15.95)
|
611.36
(15.95)
|
14.60
(84.04)
|
3222.73
(84.05)
|
2.
|
Wax
|
5.59
(100.00)
|
1114.83
(100.00)
|
0.00
(0.00)
|
0.00
(0.00)
|
5.59
(100.00)
|
1114.83
(100.00)
|
3.
|
Shikakai
|
14.964
(100.00)
|
490.16
(100.00)
|
6.301
(42.108)
|
194.08
(39.595)
|
8.663
(57.89)
|
296.07
(60.40)
|
4.
|
Nellikai
|
17.94
(100.00)
|
260.84
(100.00)
|
2.956
(16.48)
|
43.08
(16.52)
|
14.978
(83.51)
|
217.75
(83.48)
|
5.
|
Vatehuli
|
17.40
(100.00)
|
1457.63
(100.00)
|
14.275
(82.04)
|
1196.13
(82.06)
|
3.125
(17.96)
|
261.50
(17.94)
|
6.
|
Antwala
|
20.93
(100.00)
|
502.08
(100.00)
|
14.225
(67.98)
|
337.95
(67.31)
|
6.70
(32.02)
|
164.13
(32.69)
|
7.
|
Rampatre
|
12.52
(100.00)
|
7796.97
(100.00)
|
3.030
(26.36)
|
1902.12
(24.395)
|
9.48
(75.72)
|
5894.85
(75.60)
|
8.
|
Uppage
|
18.85
(100.00)
|
1131.00
(100.00)
|
5.70
(30.24)
|
342.00
(30.24)
|
13.15
(69.76)
|
789.00
(69.76)
|
9.
|
Wild
pepper
|
4.63
(100.00)
|
1496.63
(100.00)
|
1.20
(28.92)
|
387.25
(28.87)
|
3.43
(71.09)
|
1109.38
(30.37)
|
Note: Figures in parentheses indicates percentage to total |
Table 2 presents a detailed breakdown of the costs and returns incurred by Siddi Tribes in the collection and marketing of Minor Forest Products (MFPs). The incurred costs include collection expenses, transportation costs, equipment costs (such as baskets and gunny bags), and marketing-related expenses. This data allows us to discern the profitability of various marketing channels for the identified MFPs. Notably, for honey and wax, both of which have two marketing channels, respondents achieve higher net returns in Channel-II, amounting to Rs. 21875.80 and Rs. 21567.39 per quintal, respectively. Similarly, for the marketing of shikakai, amla, and antwala, where four channels were identified, Siddi Tribes realize superior net returns in Channel IV, reaching Rs. 5110.97, Rs. 2354.54, and Rs. 2745.15 per quintal, respectively. In the case of vatehuli, with three identified channels, the highest net returns are obtained in Channel III, totaling Rs. 8289.77 per quintal. For rampatre, uppage, and wild pepper, marketed through two channels, Siddi Tribes attain superior net returns in Channel I, amounting to Rs. 63013.81, Rs. 5429.20, and Rs. 34848.52 per quintal, respectively. This granular analysis provides crucial insights into the economic viability of different marketing channels for various MFPs, enabling informed decision-making and strategies for optimizing returns in Siddi tribal communities.
Table 2
Cost and returns from collection and marketing of MFPs (Rs./qtl.) (n = 120)
Name of
MFPs
|
Channel I
|
Channel II
|
Channel III
|
Channel IV
|
|
Gross
Returns
|
Collection
& other
cost
|
Net
Returns
|
Gross
Returns
|
Collection
& other
cost
|
Net
Returns
|
Gross
Returns
|
Collection
& other
cost
|
Net
Returns
|
Gross
Returns
|
Collection
& other
cost
|
Net
Returns
|
Honey
|
18000
|
624.20
|
17375.80
|
22500
|
624.20
|
21875.80
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
Wax
|
17500
|
432.61
|
17067.39
|
22000
|
432.61
|
21567.39
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
Shikakai
|
4300
|
361.70
|
3938.30
|
4000
|
315.41
|
3684.59
|
4000
|
315.41
|
3684.59
|
5500
|
389.03
|
5110.97
|
Amla
|
2000
|
185.00
|
1815.00
|
1900
|
118.56
|
1781.44
|
1900
|
118.56
|
1781.44
|
2500
|
145.46
|
2354.54
|
Antwala
|
2800
|
231.73
|
2568.27
|
2700
|
176.52
|
2523.48
|
2700
|
176.52
|
2523.48
|
3000
|
254.85
|
2745.15
|
Vatehuli
|
8800
|
253.40
|
8546.60
|
8500
|
210.23
|
8289.77
|
8500
|
210.23
|
8289.77
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
Rampatre
|
64000
|
986.19
|
63013.81
|
62500
|
829.87
|
61670.13
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
Uppage
|
5800
|
370.80
|
5429.20
|
5500
|
268.55
|
5231.45
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
Wild
pepper
|
35500
|
651.48
|
34848.52
|
35000
|
584.19
|
34415.81
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
Table 3 provides an in-depth overview of the collection and marketing activities of Minor Forest Products (MFPs) by Large-Sized Adivasi Multi-purpose Co-operative Societies (LAMPS) in Yellapur taluk, situated in the Western Ghats of Karnataka. The focus of this analysis is on two MFPs: honey and wax. Over the years, LAMPS in Yellapur consistently collected honey from various collectors, with an average quantity of 1953.80 kg. There was a noticeable fluctuation in honey collection, with the highest recorded at 2585 kg in 2018-19 and the lowest at 1500 kg in 2020-21. The procurement rate for honey remained relatively stable at Rs. 200 per kg from 2016-17 to 2019-20, increasing to Rs. 230 per kg in 2020-21. The revenue generated by LAMPS reached its peak at Rs. 6,46,250 in 2018-19, selling 2585 kg of honey, and hit the lowest point at Rs. 3,60,000 in 2020-21, selling 1500 kg, indicating a variation of 24.47%. Similarly, for wax, LAMPS in Yellapur saw fluctuations in collection, ranging from the highest of 55 kg in 2018-19 to the lowest of 20 kg in 2020-21. The procurement rate for wax increased from Rs. 190 per kg in 2016-17 to Rs. 220 per kg from 2018-19 to 2020-21. The revenue generated from wax sales varied by 33.78%, reaching its peak at Rs. 12,100 in 2018-19 and declining to Rs. 4,400 in 2020-21. This detailed analysis sheds light on the dynamic nature of MFP collection and marketing by LAMPS in Yellapur, emphasizing the need for adaptive strategies to navigate market fluctuations and maximize returns.
Table 3
Collection and Marketing of MFPs by LAMPS in Yellapur taluk in UttarKannada District
Year
|
Honey
|
Wax
|
Quantity
collected
and sold
(kg.)
|
Procurement
cost (Rs.)
|
Amount
received
by selling
MFPs
(Rs.)
|
Quantity
collected
and sold
(kg.)
|
Procurement
cost (Rs.)
|
Amount
received
by selling
MFPs
(Rs.)
|
2016-17
|
2155
|
431000
|
581850
|
47
|
8930
|
11280
|
2017-18
|
1585
|
317000
|
396250
|
35
|
7000
|
9100
|
2018-19
|
2585
|
517000
|
646250
|
55
|
12100
|
12650
|
2019-20
|
1944
|
388800
|
486000
|
31
|
6820
|
8215
|
2020-21
|
1500
|
345000
|
360000
|
20
|
4400
|
4600
|
Average
|
1953.80
|
399760
|
494070
|
37.6
|
7850
|
9169
|
SD
|
441.85
|
78563.91
|
120905.70
|
13.70
|
2868.57
|
3096.95
|
CV(%)
|
22.62
|
19.65
|
24.47
|
36.45
|
36.54
|
33.78
|
Table 4 presents a comprehensive overview of the collection and marketing endeavors of Minor Forest Products (MFPs) by Large-Sized Adivasi Multi-purpose Co-operative Societies (LAMPS) in Haliyal taluk, situated in the Western Ghats of Karnataka. The focus is on three MFPs: honey, wax, and shikakai. Over the years, LAMPS in Haliyal consistently collected honey from various collectors, with an average quantity of 3365.60 kg. There was a noticeable fluctuation in honey collection, with the highest recorded at 4000 kg in 2020-21 and the lowest at 2944 kg in 2019-20. The procurement rate for honey remained relatively stable at Rs. 200 per kg from 2016-17 to 2019-20, increasing to Rs. 225 per kg in 2020-21. The revenue generated by LAMPS reached its peak at Rs. 9,20,000 in 2020-21, selling 4000 kg of honey, and hit the lowest point at Rs. 7,36,000 in 2019-20, selling 2944 kg, indicating a variation of 9.62%. Similarly, for wax, LAMPS in Haliyal saw fluctuations in collection, ranging from the highest of 181 kg in 2020-21 to the lowest of 51 kg in 2019-20. The procurement rate for wax increased from Rs. 190 per kg in 2016-17 to Rs. 220 per kg from 2018-19 to 2020-21. The revenue generated from wax sales varied by 50.43%, reaching its peak at Rs. 41,630 in 2020-21 and declining to Rs. 13,515 in 2019-20. Shikakai, not collected from 2016-17 to 2018-19, witnessed a rate of procurement of Rs. 25 per kg in 2019-20 and increased to Rs. 55 per kg in 2020-21. LAMPS in Haliyal collected 2000 kg and 4500 kg of shikakai in 2019-20 and 2020-21, respectively, earning Rs. 60,000 and Rs. 2,83,500, indicating a significant variation of 92.02%. This detailed analysis offers valuable insights into the dynamic nature of MFP collection and marketing by LAMPS in Haliyal, underscoring the importance of adaptability to market fluctuations and maximizing returns.
Table 4
Collection and Marketing of MFPs by LAMPS in Haliyal taluk in Belagavi
Year
|
Honey
|
Wax
|
Shikakai
|
Quantity
collected
and sold
(kg.)
|
Procurement
cost (Rs.)
|
Amount
received
by selling
MFPs
(Rs.)
|
Quantity
collected
and sold
(kg.)
|
Procurement
cost (Rs.)
|
Amount
received
by selling
MFPs
(Rs.)
|
Quantity
collected
and sold
(kg.)
|
Procurement
cost (Rs.)
|
Amount
received
by selling
MFPs
(Rs.)
|
2016-17
|
3255
|
651000
|
878850
|
117
|
22230
|
28080
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2017-18
|
2985
|
597000
|
746250
|
55
|
11000
|
14300
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2018-19
|
3644
|
728800
|
911000
|
83
|
18260
|
19090
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2019-20
|
2944
|
588800
|
736000
|
51
|
11120
|
13515
|
2000
|
500000
|
60000
|
2020-21
|
4000
|
900000
|
920000
|
181
|
39820
|
41630
|
4500
|
247500
|
283500
|
Average
|
3365.6
|
693120
|
838420
|
97.4
|
20486
|
23323
|
3250
|
148750
|
171750
|
SD
|
451.33
|
114863.60
|
80675.77
|
53.69
|
11826.94
|
11761.22
|
1767.77
|
139653.60
|
158038.40
|
CV(%)
|
13.41
|
16.57
|
9.62
|
55.12
|
57.73
|
50.43
|
54.39
|
139653.60
|
92.02
|
The comparison of income sources for Siddi Tribes in the Western Ghats of Karnataka, specifically examining the revenue derived from the collection of Minor Forest Products (MFPs) against that from agriculture and allied activities is elucidated in Table 5. The findings reveal that the average income from MFP collection amounts to Rs. 14,600, a figure significantly lower than the income generated from agriculture and allied activities, which stands at Rs. 62,300. The standard error and standard deviation for MFP-derived incomes (1430.86 and 7837.14, respectively) are notably less than those for agriculture and allied activities (5801.54 and 31776.32, respectively). The t-test results further emphasize this distinction, with a calculated t-statistic of 10.204 for MFP-derived income, which is comparatively less than the t-statistic for income from agriculture and allied activities, i.e., 10.739. These results, significant at both the 5% and 1% levels of significance, lead to the rejection of the null hypothesis, supporting the alternate hypothesis. This suggests a noteworthy difference in income derivation between MFPs and agriculture and allied activities, indicating a relatively diminished role of MFPs in the overall economic landscape of the Siddi Tribes in comparison to agriculture and its associated pursuits.
Table 5
Comparison of incomes of Siddi tribes derived from agriculture and allied activities and collection of minor forest products
Particular
|
Source
|
Observations
|
Mean
|
Standard
error
|
Standard
deviation
|
95% CI
|
t-value
|
Lower
|
Upper
|
Income
(Rs.)
|
MFPS
|
30
|
14600
|
1430.86
|
7837.14
|
11673.57
|
17526.43
|
10.204***
|
|
Agriculture
and allied
activities
|
30
|
62300
|
5801.54
|
31776.32
|
50434.53
|
74165.47
|
10.739***
|
Difference
|
|
|
47700
|
4370.68
|
23939.18
|
38760.96
|
5663.04
|
|
Note: ***Samples are significantly different at 1% level of significance |
The comparison of employment generation for Siddi Tribes in the Western Ghats of Karnataka, specifically examining the workforce derived from the collection of Minor Forest Products (MFPs) against that from agriculture and allied activities, is detailed in Table 6. The findings reveal that the average employment generated from MFP collection amounts to 19.53 man-days, a figure notably lower than the employment generated from agriculture and allied activities, which stands at 204.83 man-days. The standard error and standard deviation for employment generated from MFP collection (1.039 and 5.692, respectively) are considerably less than those for employment from agriculture and allied activities (6.967 and 38.158, respectively). The t-test results further underscore this distinction, with a calculated t-statistic of 18.797 for employment generated from MFP collection, which is comparatively less than the t-statistic for employment from agriculture and allied activities, i.e., 29.402. These results, significant at both the 5% and 1% levels of significance, lead to the rejection of the null hypothesis, supporting the alternate hypothesis. This suggests a substantial difference in employment generation between MFPs and agriculture and allied activities, indicating a relatively diminished role of MFPs in the overall employment dynamics of the Siddi Tribes in comparison to agriculture and its associated pursuits.
Table 6
Comparison of employment generation of Siddi tribes from agriculture and allied activities and minor forest products collection
Particular
|
Source
|
Observations
|
Mean
|
Standard
error
|
Standard
deviation
|
95% CI
|
t-value
|
Lower
|
Upper
|
Employment
(man-days)
|
MFPS
|
30
|
19.53
|
1.039
|
5.692
|
17.408
|
21.659
|
18.797***
|
|
Agriculture
and allied
activities
|
30
|
204.83
|
6.967
|
38.158
|
190.585
|
219.082
|
29.402***
|
Difference
|
|
|
185.30
|
5.928
|
32.466
|
173.177
|
197.423
|
|
Note: ***Samples are significantly different at 1% level of significance |
The information provided in Table 7 highlights the constraints faced by Siddi tribes in the collection of minor forest products, as identified through well-structured interviews. Scattered distribution of these products emerged as the most significant challenge, obtaining the highest Garrett's mean score of 63.25. Seasonal availability ranked second at 55.28, while long distances to collect such products, inadequate availability, and lack of training were also prominent issues. Remote locations, insufficient equipment, low collection charges, and restrictions from forest authorities were additional hurdles. The data underscores the diverse and impactful challenges faced by individuals engaged in the collection of minor forest products, shedding light on areas that require attention and potential intervention.
Table 7
Constraints faced by Siddis in collection of Minor Forest Produce inWestern Ghats of Karnataka (n = 120)
Sl. No.
|
Constraints
|
Garrett’s Mean Score
|
Rank
|
1.
|
Long distance marketing locations
|
72.68
|
I
|
2.
|
Lack of transportation facilities
|
61.52
|
II
|
3.
|
Exploitation from the middlemen
|
56.97
|
III
|
4.
|
Faulty measurements
|
44.83
|
IV
|
5.
|
Delayed payment or non-payment
|
36.79
|
V
|
6.
|
Perishable nature of MFPs
|
27.34
|
VI
|
The data from Table 8 outlines the marketing constraints faced by the Siddi Tribes in the study area, encompassing six key challenges. Long distances to marketing locations emerged as the most significant obstacle, topping the list with a Garrett's mean score of 72.68. Lack of transportation facilities followed closely as the second-ranked constraint, with a score of 61.52, while exploitation from middlemen was identified as the third major challenge, scoring 56.97. Other concerns included faulty measurements, delayed or non-payment, and the perishable nature of Minor Forest Products (MFPs), shedding light on the multifaceted difficulties faced by the Siddi Tribes in marketing their products.
Table 8
Constraints faced by Siddis in marketing of Minor Forest Produce in the study area of Western Ghats of Karnataka(n = 120)
Sl. No.
|
Constraints
|
Garrett’s Mean Score
|
Rank
|
1.
|
Scattered distribution of MFPs
|
63.25
|
I
|
2.
|
Seasonal availability of MFPs
|
55.28
|
II
|
3.
|
Long distance to collect MFPs
|
52.29
|
III
|
4.
|
Inadequate availability of MFPs
|
50.58
|
IV
|
5.
|
Lack of training to collect MFPs
|
49.36
|
V
|
6.
|
Remote areas
|
48.43
|
VI
|
7.
|
Lack of proper equipment’s for collection of MFPs
|
45.57
|
VII
|
8.
|
Low collection charges
|
41.42
|
VIII
|
9.
|
Restrictions from forest authorities
|
41.37
|
IX
|
10.
|
Fear of attack by wild animals
|
31.30
|
X
|
11.
|
Lack of demand for MFPs
|
20.76
|
XI
|
Table 9 outlines the constraints faced by LAMPS (Large-sized Adivasi Multipurpose Societies) in the study area, revealing eight significant challenges. The foremost concern, as indicated by tribal respondents, is the lack of in-time payment for their products, with a high Garrett's mean score of 76.22. Following closely, the absence of processing facilities ranks as the second most pressing constraint, scoring 66.51. Additionally, the limited variety of products for procurement is identified as the third major challenge with a Garrett's mean score of 62.07. The data underscores key financial, infrastructural, and operational difficulties faced by LAMPS in the studied context.
Table 9
Constraints of LAMPS in Western Ghats of Karnataka (n = 120)
Sl. No.
|
Problems
|
Garrett’s Mean Score
|
Rank
|
1.
|
Lack of in-time payment to the tribals for their products
|
76.22
|
I
|
2.
|
Lack of processing facilities
|
66.51
|
II
|
3.
|
Lack of advancement of loans
|
62.07
|
III
|
4.
|
Lack of training
|
52.67
|
IV
|
5.
|
Accept only bulk quantity of products
|
39.81
|
V
|
6.
|
Limited no. of products procurement
|
39.02
|
VI
|
7.
|
Lack of cold storage facilities
|
31.49
|
VII
|
8.
|
Lack of discipline among the members of the society
|
31.27
|
VIII
|