There is a lot of scope of agroforestry in Bihar as the State is rich in basic resources required for plantation under agroforestry. Forest Research Institute (FRI) director PP Bhojvaid said this at the start of five-day training programmes on agroforestry, land management, nursery and plantation techniques at the institute on Monday.
The training is being held for the foresters and forest guards of Bihar. Addressing the trainees on the occasion, the FRI director said that if wood-based industry like plywood factories are established in the State, there will be opportunities of in situ employment generation for the youth while the farmers will get proper price for their agroforestry produce.
This will also develop the potential in nursery development, plantation and agroforesty in the State. Bhojvaid said that agroforestry will be more beneficial if products are made from locally procured produce and market for the products is development in such areas.
This will also be a cost-effective enterprise. Agroforestry is much needed in the present scenario to improve the economy of farmers and balance the ecosystem in nature. An effective application of agroforestry on farmland requires awareness and technical know-how, he added.
FRI Extension division head Sandeep Kujur, while welcoming the participants said that they shall not only learn new skills but also improve their existing skills with subject experts.
He also emphasised on promotion of agroforestry in Bihar State. Proposing the vote of thanks at the inaugural session, the institute’s Silviculture division head Kunal Satyarth expressed hope that the trainees will gain more knowledge from these training.
The training has been sponsored by the Bihar Forest Department with 30 foresters and forest guards from different Forest Divisions of the state attending the training. The said training are the part of Haryali Mission launched by Bihar Government to increase the forest cover of the State.