The idea of writing this type of book originated in mind of senior author about twenty four years ago when he was in the state Forest Service College, Dehradun as trainee for Forestry course. It further developed when I enjoyed the privilege and opportunities to travel extensively in the different regions of the country loving with different climatic conditions. During travels in different part of the country, watching the growth of plant, making rates, studying and surveying the literature on forestry Afforestation. It will not be exaggerating to state here that during the course of time, I borrowed, stole, collected and stored the information. However, subsequently while raising plants under the operational project on Agroforestry of Wasteland Development Board, Govt. of India, trees taught me themselves how they grow, when and what they need. In the very recent past, extensive areas under various scheme of Government degraded forest areas, wastelands have been taken up hastily for afforestation without considering the after-effects on environment economy and life style of the people. The after effect is of wasteland afforestation is the recommendation of Rajiv Gandhi Parti Bhoomi Award. The scheme like social Forestry, Agro Forestry or Industrial afforestation have all been mixed both in terminology as well as practice. Silviculturally, we have practically prohibited the choice of species to one or two species in the state forests. The people have lost faith in our fast growing eucalyptus and tropical pines.
The monocultures have been opposed largely. The New National Forest Policy 1988 has reiterated the role of forests in the ecosystems. The India is loosing her forest at a very rapid speed. The areas are available for afforestation both economically and environmentally safe. Although, efforts have been made, yet the disappointments are many. In India, afforestation have not failed because of constraints of financial resources, but mainly because of lack of technical knowledge and reasons very very simple to known many. All this tempted me particularly to attempt this book. The aim of the throughout is to give an account of afforestation establishment techniques and practices, correct choice of species in a particular Zone, tending operation, protection methods technology for development of genetically superior seed and therefore trees in any situation. The issues confronting the foresters since long time now, have been discussed at the appropriate place. Although, every care has been taken to survey the knowledge and sum-up briefly, the authors would be grateful, it suggestion come up, so that they could be incorporated in the forthcoming edition. So far compatible with space, we have tried to accommodate the maximum material without the help of published literature, this book would have not been possible. |
