Non-timber forest products (NTFP) are popularly known as goods of biological origin as well as services, derived from forestland excluding wood in all forms. Though debate still continues about the definition of the term, the utility of NTFP can not be underestimated to the forest inhabitants in particular and the populace in general. The definition of NTFPs or MFP varies from state to state.

In situ & ex-situ conservation, cultivation of endangered and exportable species with good cultivation practices and identification of marketing and export channels are the need of the hour. Several medicinal plants are cultivated and domesticated, cultivation of others that are collected from the wild in vast amounts is desired. Collection, characterization and conservation of genetic resources of important medicinal plants have begun.

The institutional arrangements for management and trade of NTFP have undergone several changes over the years. As per the policies in vogue, mostly it is the government-controlled institutions that have been authorised to collect NTFP. However, there were periods when private enterprises or even joint stock companies have been given the lease rights. These rights have varied as per produce or geographical region. At times, leases have been given under monopoly agreement, and some other time there would be more then one buyers for the same district and produce. With the latest policy doing away with monopoly in most NTFP, presently TDCC, OFDC, ORMAS/DSMS, TRIFED and Gram Panchayat are the major players among government-controlled agencies and local self-government institutions.