Impact of fast growing tree in upliftment of ...

Impact of fast growing tree in upliftment of socioeconomic condition of farmers in India

Author Name : Kushmita Dhan*, Anil Kumar, P. R. Oraon, A. K. Chakraborty

Fast growing tree species

In India, forests are a defining part of the cultural landscape. The total forest and tree cover of the country is approximately 80.9 million hectares, which is 24.62 percent of the total geographical area (https://www.civilsdaily.com/story/forest-conservation-efforts/). The national forest law stipulates that the forest must be preserved, enlarged if necessary, and that proper management must be sustainably ensured. According to the forest policy 1988, 33% of the area should come under forest. The criteria can be fulfilled by planting ecologically suitable fast growing tree species so that the target can be achieved at faster rate. According to present concept a fast-growing species is one which yields a minimum of 10m³/ha/annum and also the height increment should not be less than 60cm per annum (https://acumenias.in/blog/artical-of-the-day/expanding%20india-s%20forest%20cover). Short- rotation forestry (SRF) is defined as the silvicultural practice in which high density, sustainable plantations of fast-growing tree species produce wood biomass either on agricultural fertile lands, wastelands or degraded lands generally outside the traditional forests (Christerson, L., 2005). Many different fast growing tree species can be established on sites for afforestation purposes; they can also be in various agroforestry systems (AFS) on agricultural fields. In most cases, the goals of the land users determine the choice of tree species, cultivation system, the rotation times, and their management.