Pradeep Khanna , R. K. Sama

Abstract

The paper attempts to view the needs for addressing the concern arising out The Constitution Amendment (73rd) 1992 with reference to the strength and weaknesses of the present day Panchayats as little republics. It highlights the need of a truly democratic structure that has foresight and does not only work for short term gains and can appreciate the cause of sustainability. Need of a enlightened Gram Sabha for achieving the objectives of the constitutional provisions have been highlighted.

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K. K. Sharma , Pradeep Khanna , Ajay Gulati

Abstract

In Northern India, use of Eucalyptus as windbreak/shelterbelt is well accepted but questions concerning the economic impact on crop production system requires through investigations. In this study, the influence of Eucalyptus trees on agriculture crop viz., Sorghum vulgare in terms of plant density, crop height and fodder yield were found negative in the vicinity of tree. Gross income from Eucalyptus trees for 100 m tree line estimated to Rs. 2144 for 61.35 trees in east-west and Rs. 2399.87 for 74.68 trees in north-south tree line. It was concluded that growing Eucalyptus on field boundaries under irrigated condition had very little impact on associated Sorghum crop and the crop losses due to tree line are well compensated by the income received out of sale of trees.

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K. K. Sharma , Pradeep Khanna , Ajay Gulati

Abstract

Agroforestry studies using Dalbergia sissoo were conducted to assess the crop productivity under semi-arid conditions. Growth performance of D. sissoo trees intercropped with wheat and paddy showed mean height and gbh as 10.36 m and 53.45 cm, total timber 1.2554 m³ small timber 7.0899 m³ and fuel wood 77.45 q. The gross income from trees calculated as Rs. 24,056.00 for 33 trees pcr 55 m tree line. Crop yields and other crop parameters of wheat especially under tree canopy upto 4 m from tree line declined significantly. In case of paddy such influence was found upto 8m from tree row. The total affected area in the entire plot worked out to 220 m² in wheat crop and 440 m² in paddy crop showing a nct loss of 21.23 kg (Rs. 53.00) and 101.20 kg (Rs. 559.00), respectively. The losses to agriculture crops are wen compensated by the gross income Rs.2005/-per year obtained through sale of trees. The conclusions drawn from the studies indicate that D. sissoo trees though effect negatively the agriculture production in the vicinity of tree canopy but it proved viable proposition for practicing as a agroforestry tree species under irrigated conditions. The spacing between trees, pruning and manipulation of crown structure are crucial for minimising the tree losses and increasing the productivity per unit area.

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Pradeep Khanna , A. K. Mahendra

Abstract

Several studies have been conducted to study the consumption behaviour of fuelwood in different- areas. Present study has been conducted for Gujarat to corroborate or contradict their findings. Trend of demand and supply have been studied. Factors responsible for quantity of firewood consumption viz. population, forest area and number of cattle in rural areas of have been studied with the help of regression analysis. Distance from forests i.e. easy availability of firewood have significant effect on per capita consumption of fuelwood. Cattle number in the areas having forests have much effect on per capita fuel consumption. Percent contribution of fuel wood is less in urban areas in comparison to rural areas due to use of alternative sources of energy. Development and publicity of alternative sources of energy is essential for the rural areas.

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Pradeep Khanna , Asheem Srivastav

Abstract

GATT, the General Agreement on Trade and Tariff evolved during last few decades encompasses a set of agreements by majority of world nations for an orderly international trade thereby setting a new economic order in the world. TRIPS, the Trade Related Intellectual Property Rights, TRIMS, the Trade Related Investment Measure Services, the Sui Generissystem and the UPOVi.e. International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants have special significance for the forestry sector. It offers opportunities in making use of the biodiversity inherent in the tropical forests of the country. It has heen brought out that biodiversity holds key to development in future as it is no longer possible to mine the natural resources in perpetuity. Biodiversity offers opportunities in increasing production on a sustained basis to meet the demands of developing world in coming times. The fields ofbio-technology, energy from biological resources, bio-fertilizers and pesticides health care have been specifically -identified for research with international trade orientation as there is great demand in these fields for development. Skilled human resource so abundantly available in country is also identified for enhancing contribution in international trade and the economy of the country. The paper also lists number of steps needed to make good use of the opportunities available before it is lost. These steps include conservation of gene pool, impetus to research in identified fields, human resource development and marketing and strategic alliances.

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Pradeep Khanna

Abstract

Joint Forest Management is being increasingy suggested as a solution to conservation problems of forests in India and developing countries. Philosophically the concept is ideal and needs to be supported without reservation. However, while implementing the programme in different Indian States, it has heen observed that the programme is unable to institutionalise due to number of problems. It is therefore, important to analyse the detail of programme and its viability in a shrinking resource base scenario. It is often seen that the JFM programme find. Success in support from non-forestry incentives. In this context, it is important to set up a clear research agenda to make the programme self sustainable and viable and to intitutionalise the same. The paper traces the history, analyses the bottlenecks and, in the process, attempts to set up research agenda for initiating a debate for arriving at a well based research programme to make JFM a success. The important research needs felt are to induce continuity of flow of benefits and enhance the level of benefits available to a level which could generate sustained enthusiasm and ensure viability of the programme on a long-term basis.

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