Digital Documentation of Toda Embroidery and Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFP) Products, Nilgiris

Our research initiative aimed to digitally preserve and ethically commercialise Toda embroidery and NTFPs from the indigenous communities of the Nilgiris. Using a mixed-methods approach rooted in community engagement, the study focused on sustaining traditional ecological knowledge, promoting data sovereignty, and building fair, community-led value chains.

The research documented Toda stitching techniques and their intergenerational transfer. It also profiled key NTFPs — including medicinal plants, fruits, honey, and crafts — capturing local names, harvest seasons, and sustainable harvesting practices. In parallel, the study examined livelihood patterns, income linkages, policy gaps, and climate-related challenges, highlighting adaptive strategies adopted by tribal communities.