Informatics Publishing Limited

P. Rana , C. J. Singh

Abstract

Optimization of ecosystem goods and services from plantations depend on their sustainable production, protection and management. So far, the objective of attaining optimum production of environmental goods and services has remained a far cry due to uncontrolled exploitation, ignorance and inefficient management strategies. Informal understanding between the local field staff and communities for equitable distribution and utilization of plantations produce may act as an effective tool of sound management. Present paper points towards the efficiency of informal co-management strategies to improve, protect and utilize forest plantations and enhance the production of goods and services thereof. The study indicates how co-management strategies followed in Dharatidhar area of Paonta Sahib Forest Division of district Sirmour of Himachal Pradesh has not only led to the enhancement of goods and services from the unproductive areas but also developed a stake among the villagers to protect and enhance benefits from the plantations.

Keywords

Common Property Resources, Ecosystem Goods And Services, Co-management Strategy,
Himachal Pradesh.

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N. S. Bisht , Abhishek Naithani , M. S. Gusain , C. J. Singh

Abstract

The goods and services provided by forest plantations contribute significantly to human welfare, both directly and indirectly. A study was undertaken for quantification and valuation of plantation based provisioning services in Haryana. Group preferences and individual preferences for different landscape units were assessed through community meetings, PDM and household survey. Results indicated that the dependency of local people for fodder, fuelwood and timber was more on private lands, which met 92% of their demand, while plantations provided merely 8% of their total requirement that too to the landless people mainly.

Keywords

Provisioning Services, Tree Plantations, Quantification And Valuation, Haryana

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A. K. Saxena , N. S. Bisht , C. J. Singh

Abstract

A study was undertaken in three villages of Bhiwani District in Haryana to assess the value of habitat function of planted forests. These villages were located at varying distance from a Blackbuck (Gazella gazella) Breeding Farm, which is a planted forest. Contingent valuation method was by asking the people to reveal their willingness to pay, both in terms of money as well as mandays, for the protection and improvement of the habitat for continued habitat function benefits. The total value of habitat functions provided by the farm was Rs. 15,71,641 per year for three villages out of which Rs. 12,24,112 per year came from the WTP in the form of labour mandays.

Keywords

Indian Gazelle (Gazella gazella), Habitat Function, Value, Haryana, India

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S. T. S. Lepcha , N. S. Bisht , C. J. Singh , Vimal Dhiman

Abstract

An experiment was conducted in the bamboo areas of Dehra Dun and Lansdowne Forest Divisions to assess the impact of felling and cultural operations on the production of new culms in D. strictus. Felling was carried out as per the prescription of Working Plan. It was observed that the production of new culms increased substantially at the sites where felling was undertaken. However, mulching with soil after carrying out felling did not produce better results at Giwain where overhead shade was more. The results of these experiments have been discussed in detail in the present paper.

Keywords

Dendrocalamus strictus, New Culms, Cultural Operations, Uttarakhand

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N. S. Bisht , C. J. Singh

Abstract

Punjab is predominantly an agriculture state having over 85 per cent of its land area under agriculture crops. Large quantity of wood is being imported from abroad to meet the demand of construction sector, furniture units, truck body building units and sports goods industries. It has reduced the use of indigenous species considerably in these sectors. Of late, poplar and Eucalyptus plantations have been adopted by the farmers in a big way due to their large-scale use in plywood and veneer industries. At present the state is able to meet around sixty per cent of its annual demand of industrial wood from local production. The situation can be improved by providing certain incentives to the tree growers such as, financial loans at low interest rates, market support and even subsidies.

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N. S. Bisht , M. S. Gusain , C. J. Singh , A. K. Hooda

Abstract

A study was conducted in Haryana, India to estimate the value of regulation function of planted forests related to the prevention of damage caused by wind erosion. The region is dry, sandy and barren with low rain fall. The crop production is adversely affected due to wind erosion. Contingent Valuation Method (CVM) was applied to assess local's willingness to pay (WTP) for raising plantations and its maintenance for mitigating the impact of wind erosion. The mean WTP was estimated @ ₹448.00 per house hold per annum, while the collective WTP of respondents for raising plantations was estimated @ ₹ 3049.00 per hectare per year.

Keywords

Wind Erosion, Ecosystem Services, Willingness to Pay (WTP), Plantation, Household

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