Contribution of Phrynium capitatum Willd. leaf a non-timber forest product to the livelihoods of rural poor of South Meghalaya, North-East India

Phrynium capitatum Willd. leaf is most common wrapping and packaging material used by the people of Meghalaya. The shelf-life of these leaves is about four to five weeks. It has been in use since time immemorial for packing and wrapping of edible items such as common salt, jaggery (gur), lentil, fresh and dry fish, meat, betel leaf, fruits, vegetables, lime, channa (gram) and the like. This paper focuses on the contribution of this leaf to the income of rural poor of Meghalaya. The average production of Phrynium leaf was found to be 480kg/ha/year and the revenue was Rs. 2880/ha/year, out of which Rs.2,010 was a net earning of the collector. The maximum benefits accrued to the trader (56%), followed by the producer (28%), transporter (10%) and wage earner (5%). The demand of leaves is high, since local people prefer Phrynium leaf for packing food items over polythene because of its capacity in retaining moisture and keeping the packed edibles fresh and lasting longer. Since most produce is used locally, the price remains almost stable year after year.