M. Saleem , D. P. Singh

Abstract

Effect of coppicing at different heights on regeneration and subsequent biomass production of Albizia lebbek was studied using randomized block design with 10 trees per block and three replications. Seven pruning heights applied were 5 cm (ground level), 15 cm, 30 em, 45 em, 60 cm, 75 cm and 90 em. Investigations showed that 90 cm coppicing height resulted in increased biomass productions compared to coppicing at ground level. Results can be used for maximizing biomass production when managed as multi-stemmed shrub in agroforestry systems.

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D. P. Singh

Abstract

The paper describes the genesis and activities of Madhya Pradesb Rajya Van Vikas Nigam. Starting from 1976 with an authorised capital of Rs. 20 crores it has built up assets in the form of plantations of Teak, Bamboo and other species spread over an area of 1.27 lakh ha till 1991. The worth of these plantations today is approximately Rs. 100 crores. The Nigam is fully aware of its social and environmental obligations and all its projects, present and future, are formulated to help fully discharge these obligations along with maintaining commercial viability.

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D. P. Singh

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Ephedras are the only source of Ehedrine Hydrochloride-a very important drug which is imported into the country after the main source of supply, viz., Baluchistan having gone over to Pakistan. The two important species of Ephedra generally met with are E. Gerardiana and E. Inlermedia and belong to the family Gnelaceae which is close allied to Conifer. In Lahau1 E. Gerardiana is the predominant species. The places where Ephedras grow are accessible and present little difficulty in collection. The cost of concentrated drug up to road head is likely to be Rs. 15 per maund and roughly about 40 tons of crude drug will be collected. It is of interest to note that a sample of Lahaul Ephedras has given 1.5% of pure Ephedrine, a very high percentage indeed.

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D. P. Singh

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Lahaul-a dry tract lying above 9,000' -has few forests and there is acute scarcity of firewood and timber. Tree growth being very slow under natural conditions we have to look forward to sources other than the so-called forests in Lahaul to meet with the existing and increasing demand of firewood and timber. Willow and poplar plantations seem to be the only practicable, effective, and immediate solution of our difficulties. Both the species can be grown without difficulty and there is considerable scope for their cultivation and extension in the Valley.

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D. P. Singh

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Kuth grows naturally in forests of Kashmir while in Lahaul it was first introduced in 1923 from Kashmir and since then it has been the most important cash crop in the valley. On account of suitable soil conditions and irrigation facilities Kuth grows well in all parts of Lahaul below 10,000 feet. Cultivation is not a difficult matter and is now well understood by the people. The main market for Kuth lies in China and due to Civil War there, the market is very dull and consequently the cultivation of Kuth and people's economy in Lahaul has received a serious set-back. It is now for our trade agents in China to come to people's rescue and guide them on the matter. Fearing that Kuth cultivation may have to be abondoned ultimately the Forest Department has already commenced work on providing substitutes in Ephedra and Artemesia to Lahaul people.The original home of Kuth is Kashmir where it grows wild in the forests and is a monopoly of the State. In Lahaul unlike Kashmir it is an agricultural crop and was introduced about 25 years ago.

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D. P. Singh

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Kulu has been an important source of honey, but due to excessive grazing, browsing and burning of forest vegetation which forms the bee pasture, the production has suffered a serious set-back in recent years, so much so that the bee-keepers are now getting anxious about the industry. Afforestation in Kulu, is to the bees what grow-more-food is to the people in general. The relation between forestry and bee-keeping is very intimate and incidentally in Kulu, the species useful as bee-flora are also of great utility for general needs and soil stabilization. We must, therefore, do our best to protect, extend and improve the bee-flora before it gets too late.

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D. P. Singh

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Preliminary trials on cultivation of English and Kashmir bat willows (both obtained in the form of cuttings from Kashmir) have given encouraging results in Kulu forest division. The problem is being pursued with full zeal and vigour and if the success attained so far is maintained in coming years, the future of sports' industry in the Punjab is assured.

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