ONE- DAY WORKSHOP ON PROMOTION OF WOOD BASED INDUSTRIES IN J&K.

Government UT of J&K is laying emphasis on Industrial development of J&K, keeping with this spirit, Department of Social Forestry J&K in collaboration with Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agriculture Science & Technology (SKAUST), Jammu at KVK Jammu at R S Pura organised a one-day workshop to facilitate the consultation amongst stake holders to promote development of Wood Based Industries in Jammu as well as Kashmir region. The one-day event was chaired by Commissioner Sectary Forest Ecology & Environment Department J&K Sh. Sanjeev Kumar Verma IAS. While speaking on the occasion he appreciated the initiative which could go a long way in identifying the strength areas and challenges in promoting the development of Wood Based Industries in UT of Jammu and Kashmir. He emphasized on strengthening institutional linkage between Farmers, Industries and Research Institutions for sustainable growth of Wood Based Industries in the UT.

Dr. J.P Sharma, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor SKAUST Jammu, stressed upon diversification, value addition of agriculture products and adoption of secondary agriculture. He also advised to focus on entrepreneurship development of rural youth of the district. He suggested the scientists to work on collaborative projects with Social Forestry Department and insisted for participation ofofficers from forest department in programme of KVKS of SKUAST-Jammu. Forest trees and medicinal fruits have immense potential in kandi areas and viable option as alternative source of income. Agroforestry helps in encouraging apiculture by planting forest trees as Bee Flora. Ceremonial plantation was also done on the occasion where in dignitaries planted the sapling in the R S Pura campus. Ambulatory van was also inaugurated by Dr Sumati Sharma on the occasion. A rally of the NSS students of Veterinary Sciences worth slogans of Social forestry plantations and objective were also organized on the occasion. Prizes to the students participated in quiz and painting competition were also distributed among the student.
PCCF & HoFF J&K Forest Department, Dr. Mohit Gera, IFS informed that Farm Forestry has the potential of optimizing the production level of land and enhancing the profits to the farmers. The tree plantation on non-forest land including the private farm lands is an important source of raw material for Wood Based Industries after the imposition of ban on Green Felling in natural forests.
In J&K and about 164 Nos. of Plywood Industries are presently functioning the UT which requires continuous supply of good quality raw material. Presently about 80 lacs Cfts of Timber is imported by J&K to meet its domestic needs. Therefore, there is an important need to boost the production of suitable timber species to bridge the gap between demand and supply. Agroforestry has a huge potential to generate employment opportunities, increase the income of farmers and boost the industrial activities as has been demonstrated in the states like Haryana, Punjab and western UP.
PCCF/Director, Department of Social Forestry, J&K Sh. Roshan Jaggi IFS, while delivering his opening remarks informed that Department of Social Forestry in last four decades has played key role in establishing the culture of Tree Farming outside the Forest areas which has been a major source of raw material to Wood Based Industrial units like Plywood, Plyboards, Cricket Bats, Pencils, Joinery and other allied fields. To meet the growing demand of Wood Based Industries, Department of Social Forestry is taking initiatives to involve Progressive Farmers / Growers in adopting innovative models of Agroforestry.
Director Extension, Director Research, Director Education along with other Statutory officers of SKUAST Jammu, KVK scientists, Scientist from SKUAST Kashmir, HFRI Shimla, Wood based Private industry person were aslo present on the occasion.
A book on sacred grove and heritage tree by Sh O P Sharma Rtd IFS Officer was also released on the occasion

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here