The scientists of Forest Research Institute (FRI) and farmers should hold meetings more often, said the institute director Savita. She was speaking at the start of an interactive meet on agroforestry and livelihood, organised by the extension division of the institute.
Addressing the gathering on the occasion at the Shatabdi Van Vigyan Kendra at the Old Rangers College here in Dehradun, the institute director opined with confidence that the meet will certainly bring farmers, scientists and technologists together on one platform to discuss different issues related with agroforestry -- especially introduction of new and improved species for productivity enhancement of farmers’ land. She assured the participants that the subject experts of the institute would be available to address their queries and help resolve problems faced by the different stakeholders. She also stressed on the need for more such meetings between scientists of the FRI and the farmers.
Earlier, in his welcome address, the institute’s extension division head, AK Pandey informed that the meet had been organised to facilitate the sharing of views and ideas of both farmers and scientists of the institute. He also spoke about the importance of crop rotation necessary under agroforestry system to maintain the fertility of the soil and production level high.
According to the institute officials, later during the technical session, discussions were mainly focused on performance of tree species, their management, escalating cost of harvesting of crops planted in agroforestry systems. The officials further said that some farmers had felt that better quality clones of Populus deltoides and Eucalyptus species should be made available so that higher production may be assured in a manner which is economical for the farmers. During the discussion on the subject of marketing, it was found that there are various problems in the marketing of agroforestry produces. Farmers also suggested modifications and changes in existing policies related to cultivation and marketing of agroforestry species.
According to FRI officials, the meet on agroforestry and livelihood was attended by about two dozen participants including farmers from Haryana and Unttarakhand, representatives of Uttarakhand Forest Department, Wood Technologist Association from Harayana, self help groups and non governmental organisations.