INDIAN FORESTRY AT THE CROSSROADS

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Abstract
National food production depends on a foundation of ecological security, and this is being threatened by indiscriminate deforestation and shifting cultivation especially in the Himalayas. A large part of India's wood demand appears to be satisfied by illicit felling, and if this continues the country's remaining forests will tend to disappear by the end of this century. There is a need to review national forestry policy, and unless forestry can become a people's movement, rather than remain the responsibility of Forestry Departments alone, ecological security and timber need requirements cannot be guaranteed. Three components for a new forestry policy are suggested: changes in public policy, technological support, and a full package of services. Forestry should then be seen as a vital part of integrated rural development programmes.

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