Implementing Agency:
Department For International Development (DFIDI)

Managing Institute:
OFI (Oxford Forestry Institute)

Project Code: 149-044-005	Start Date: 01-Mar-83	End Date: 01/01/1993
Commitment: £15,030,000	Status: Completed	Type of Funding: Bilateral - TC

Project Background:
Forestry has a high priority in India and features in the recent 20 point programme. India's designated forests cover about 75 million ha but increasing pressures from human and cattle populations have resulted in severe depletion of much of the natural forests. Between 1951 and 1979 the forestry sector received little investment (less than 1percent of total development plan outlays) and until 1974 the emphasis in afforestation was on industrial timber and pulp-wood. However, fuelwood, together with some agricultural wastes and animal dung, contributed 90 percent of Indian domestic energy consumption and will continue to be essential for this purpose into the foreseeable future. It is already in serious and increasing deficit in the state of Karnataka, as elsewhere throughout India. A massive increase in afforestation is needed to ensure adequate supplies of fuelwood and fodder, building poles and other products for the rural poor. To achieve this the development of forest resources outside the reserved forests, through the active participation of local communities (social forestry) is essential. Social forestry programmes on a meaningful scale in India began only in 1974 in response to the interim report of the National Commission on Agriculture. It recommended allocation of Rs 770 million for these activities in the Fifth Development Plan. Because of budgetary constraints only Rs 373 million were allocated. The Sixth Plan (1980-85) addresses the problems of industrial, social and environmental forestry in an organised and concerted manner, with 78 percent of total sectoral allocations directed to social forestry. The Social Forestry/Rural Fuelwood Plantations programme, which has a Plan allocation of Rs 1 000 million, provides for 50 percent of GOI financing of plantation costs. Statewide social forestry projects with external financial assistance are now being implemented in the States of Gujarat, Utter Pradesh, West Bengal, Jammu and Kashmir, (with World Bank Support) Madhya Pradesh, Maharasthra (USAID) and Tamil Nadu (SIDA). These represent a total investment of about Rs 6000 million over a period of five years and are expected to achieve afforestation of about 2 million ha by the late 1980's.

Project Objectives:
The primary objective of the project is to increase supplies of fuelwood to rural and semi-urban consumers throughout the state, in areas selected for their low rainfall and low percentage of designated forest relative to population density. Secondary objectives are the provision of small timber livestock fodder bamboo for cottage industries and other minor forestry products. Special provisions will be made to help ensure project benefits reach the poorest sections of the community. Over the 5 year period project funds will be used: To establish 27,000 hectares of tree plantations and 2,000 ha of bamboo plantations public lands To promote 120,500 ha of farm forests on private lands through the development of additional nurseries, the distribution of planting materials and advisory services To provide additional forestry staff, vehicles, equipment, housing, training forestry extension services and project related research.

Intended Outputs:
27,000 hectares (ha) of tree plantations and 2,000 ha of bamboo plantations established on public lands.

120,500 ha of farm forests on private lands promoted through the development of additional nurseries, the distribution of planting materials and advisory services.

Additional forestry staff, vehicles, equipment, housing, training forestry extension services and project related research provided.