D. R. Ramesh Singh

Abstract

'Maiden-hair tree', Ginkgo biloba, Linn. is an extant gymnosperm that was discovered in China after fossils of similar plants were discovered earlier. In India planting efforts are meager as it is a costly plant and requires near temperate conditions for its survival. It is a dioecious plant species, i.e., with separate male and female plants. Seed production in female plants growing along male plants occurs after about 20 years. Seeds are malodorous, thus elite male plants that grow fast are being selectively raised by induction of adventitious ischolar_mains in stem cuttings using 8,000 ppm of IBA in USA where it is being planted along avenues as the tree is large, sturdy and long lived. Efforts to multiply this plant by stem cuttings to over come short supply of costly seedlings was undertaken in three nurseries of Haryana State using Plant Growth Regulators (PGRs), viz., IBA, NAA, Catechol and Putrescine and 50% ischolar_maining response was observed in PGR treated cuttings.

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D. R. Ramesh Singh

Abstract

MAPs provide a diversification and crop intensification option both to farmers and foresters. Organic farming or forest production can be introduced if returns on investment are remunerative. Biodiversity conservation can be enhanced by providing better access to these reinvented practices eg., organic farming. Traditional knowledge available regarding distribution, varieties, collection and processing has to be integrated with scientific and technological inputs. Breeding for higher quality and quantity in a short period is a distinct possibility both by traditional and modern practices. Central to the exercisc of diversification and intensification option is sustained demand by domestic and international markets. Quality control has to he upgradcd in all respects to lay claim to the rightful share in international market in consonance with the knowledgc and techniques prescribed by Atharvaveda. Association of ncutraceuticals with virility promoting herbal drugs currently in grcatcr dcmand is likely to become unsustainable in the long run. This narrowly focused approach has to be combined with a stronger focus on preventive and curative aspects of medicinal plants to serve the larger public need of safc and efficacious herbal health care system. Market intelligence of total international demand and present levels of wild and domesticated supplies along with prices of planting stock and different grades of produce need to be made available to prospedive farmers to prevent tradc cycles. The search for the mythical 'sanjivini buti' is to be startcd in all sincerity as a national goal for serving 'vasudaivakutumb acam' of the community of nations.

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D. R. Ramesh Singh

Abstract

Haryana State is one of the pioneers in practice of JFM and the experience is about three decades old. Some of the very successful models of the concept that have demonstrative affect on similar areas have been established and continue to function to this date. Replication of this has not occurred to the expected level as certain conditions necessary for success are lacking. Loss of importance of catalysts because of change in technology and user preferences is causing anxiety regarding very survival of the concept. Investment already made is to be consolidated in as short a time as is possible as life of a productive asset in fragile areas is limited. Natural forests and slow and low-producers, therefore, can support insignificant number of rural population. Capital generated because of new investment is to be used as quickly as possible for creating alternative productive opportunities that are not related to forests as a resource base. Over-drive of the concept has earned criticism and team spirit is yet to be fully harnessed within forest department. The most important land based activity viz., agroforestry has so far not attracted attention of the wise people professing JFM. When extended to productive agricultural land with sufficient Government efforts for creating demand for the produce, synergy would bloom.

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D. R. Ramesh Singh , K. K. Dhir , S. P. Vij , H. Nayyar , Kamaljit Singh

Abstract

Terminalia chebula Retz. is a multipurpose medicinal plant found in all deciduous forests of India. It is a hardy moderate size tree species that can grow with very little care and can be integrated in to farm forestry profitably. Full potential for revegetating Siwalik hills requires to be exploited throughout North India. Studies were carried out on three provenances of Haryana State to ascertain regeneration status of this important indigenous tree that was considered only as a source of NWFP of medicinal and dyeing fruits. Studies have indicated it produces firewood and , in scarcity time , fodder also. Natural variation in fruits have been found to be heritable and beneficial variations could be harnessed to make this tree more acceptable to farmers. Under a programme called 'TREIMP' sustained efforts are being made to produce seedlings and supply to the growers without loss of time involved in transfer of technology.

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D. R. Ramesh Singh

Abstract

Fast growing, giant perennial grasses with woody fibre-bamboos are getting re-discovered. India has 135 species of bamboos growing over 8.9 million ha of natural forests, three species contribute to 80 % of above coverage.Dendrocalamus strictus Nees occupies 45% of total bamboo forests. It grows naturally in three districts of State of Haryana,India. Departmental harvesting operations and sale practised for eight years was studied as efforts are being made to grow bamboo under agroforestry. At present there are only two species viz., Eucalyptus tereticornis Smith and Populus deltoides Marsh grown extensively under agroforestry plantations leading to monoculture-like situation, diversification of species is an urgent need. Studies have shown bamboo forests of Haryana currently yield 0.6 tonnes of freshly cut bamboos per ha. Harvesting expenses are Rs.10,000/ha. Gross and net return of Rs. 12,000 and Rs.2,000 respectively is obtained. When land rent is deducted net return is Rs.700/ha, giving a return of 12%. Either felling expenditure is to be reduced to Rs.5,000/ha or production of bamboo is to be increased to minimum of 1 tonne/ha so as to earn 25% returns to justify investment made. Piling of earth on clumps and in situ water harvesting has proved useful in increasing yields elsewhere can be tried in natural forests but chemical fertilizer application may be avoided. Bamboos grown in well-drained plains are highly productive under assured irrigation and fertilizer application. After first six years, farmers can harvest bamboo every year. Three times the level of harvests made from natural forests have been obtained in experimental plots and exceptionally good ones have exceeded 2 tonnes/ha.

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D. R. Ramesh Singh , U. S. Vashista

Abstract

Yamuna Nagar District has emerged as a leading district in the manufacture of wood based panel products utilizing plantation grown Populus and Eucalyptus wood. ETPs of Populus initially produced only by Forest Department are now being raised by enterprising persons also. The expenditure involved in raising ab initio nursery in one of the villages, namely, Thaska and the financial returns expected out of the sale of ETPs have been analysed and scenario of larger nursery from 0.4 ha to 1.0 ha which brings economy of scale into operation has been analyzed. It is concluded that nursery activity by resident farmers already practising agriculture on not less than 1.0 ha is economically a better proposition. Novices are advised to raise not less than one ha of nursery.

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D. R. Ramesh Singh , V. K. Jhajaria

Abstract

Growth of Populus deltoides, Marsh Clone G-48 in enbloc, rainfed forest plantation and irrigated agroforestry situations in six villages of Yamuna Nagar District of Haryana State, India, was compared. Survival percentage in forest and farm land respectively was 34 and 80. MAI of forest plantation and weighted mean (Xw), of excellent, good and average categories of farmland respectively was 13.65 and 26.46 m³/ha/yr. respectively Wood harvesting cost was Rs. 643 and Rs. 660 per m³. The cost of formation was Rs. 31,450 and Rs. 2,16,000 per ha for rotation of eight years. Gross return from poplars grown on forest and farm land respectively was Rs. 32.756 and Rs. 85,308lha (Xw); net return respectively was Rs. 28,035 and Rs. 40,297/ha and Rs. 11,214 and Rs. 16,118/acre (0.4 ha). Farm inputs incidentally available are making inteqated farming a successful proposition. Loss of crop beyond forth year is leading to contractiOn of rotation. Forest plantations are managed under low intensity and institutional finance can be availed for raising poplars. Very fertile forest sites, with deep sandy soils and plentiful supply of good water are potential sites. High input and high output agroforestry should be selffinancing as accumulated interest after long rotation is deterring. Credit plans are to be made more flexible to allow shorter rotations as market acceptability of small size wood has increased. To sustain agroforestry revolution that earns an estimated Rs. 30 million/day (value added) diversification of Poplar clones and also other species is imperative, along with quality control of end product.

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