Forests are a rich source of fuel, fodder and timber but due to continuous exploitation they are now under heavy pressure.
To minimise this pressure, agroforestry is in dire need of the present times, stated scientists at the start of a three-day special training at the Forest Research Institute on development of agroforestry for Panchayat members, stakeholders, NGO representatives, joint forest management committee members and other concerned from Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Chandigarh.
In his inaugural address, the institute director Dr PP Bhojvaid emphasised that there is a lot of scope of agroforestry as Uttarakhand, UP, Haryana and Chandigarh are rich in basic resources required for agroforestry practices.He said that if agroforestry is promoted in hilly areas of these regions as per their specific requirements, there will be opportunities of employment generation and farmers will get proper price for their agroforestry produce.
The agroforestry will be more beneficial if products are made from local produce and if markets are developed in those areas.Earlier, welcoming the participants, FRI Extension Division head Sandeep Kujur said that they would not only learn or improve their skills with the institute’s subject experts but would also gain new experience in the field of agroforestry.
Planting trees outside forests will not only improve the economy of farmers but will also help establish the ecological balance. Before application of effective agroforestry on farmland, there is a requirement of awareness and technical knowhow. The specialised training at FRI is being organised to facilitate this under the sponsorship of the Ministry of Environment and Forests.
Thirty participants from Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Chandigarh are attending the training.