Jagjit Singh

Abstract

In order to reclaim lands with red marl soil, which had reached an advanced stage of erosion owing to biotic, edaphic and climatic factors, a large number of species considered suitable were tried since 1937 in the Suli Tila Experimental Plot at Nurpur, Kangra, to study their efficacy. In the beginning reliance was placed on succulents, but later on various other soil binding plants were also introduced. The results of the trials are summarised in this note:

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Jagjit Singh

Abstract

The paper sketches in brief the evolution of yield regulatory procedure adopted in Punjab since the inception of planned management in 1897, before which fellings had been irregular and essentially selective. After detailing the hill tract and forest types occurring thereon, different yield regulatory methods namely by (i) number of trees, (ii) area, (iii) volume, (iv) volume and increment and (v) volume and area based on periods, as adopted from time to time, have been discussed. The idea of reckoning the estimated increment towards yield from the Regeneration block was adopted by Trevor in 1919 and practised for sometimes after. It was abandoned later on because of the peculiar nature of the forests. Since the last war the emphasis has shifted towards conservative yield regulation wherein various periodic blocks have been included for prescribing annual yield. An allowance for volume of retained seed-bearers, fire insurers and compact groups of poles as advance growth in regeneration block under the Punjab Shelter-wood system is an effective step towards conservative yield. Similarly Hufnagi's and Von Mantel's formulae have been made use of as a guiding factor for fixing yield in forests being worked under Selection system.

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Jagjit Singh

Abstract

The veritable climatic character of Punjab State is outlined. The occurrence of various medicinal and aromatic plants, present method of exploitation and the quantities exploited during 1960-61 from Kulu area are discussed giving the result of the present system of working. For the development of such resources of the State two suggestions, namely (1) Systematic exploitation of existing resources and (2) Cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants have been advanced. The result of trials on various plants carried out during the last 10 years in Forest Research Nurseries are summarised.

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Jagjit Singh

Abstract

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Jagjit Singh

Abstract

In this paper cultivation trials of 12 indigenous and exotic, medicinal and aromatic plants, carried out in various forest research nurseries in the hills and plains of Punjab State have been summarised. The results of analysis of materials thus produced and yield obtained have been given where available. Under results in the end the species considered suited to different areas of the State, have been noted.

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Jagjit Singh

Abstract

In this paper, the locality factors about the state of Punjab, area under forests, vegetation and the availability of forest products, etc, have,been recorded. Punjab, being an agricultural State, is highly deficient in timber and firewood. Against the demand of 700,000 m³ of timber, only 44,000 m³ are produced and, against a demand of 2,600,000 m³ of firewood, only 28,000 m³ of firewood are available from recorded sources. To make up the deficiency of firewood, cow-dung manure, maize stalks, cotton sticks and other agricultural residues are used in rural areas to provide energy. In order to make up the deficiency of wood, Eucalyptus plantations have been raised during last ten years covering about 11,570.8 hectares of block forests, strips, river banks, etc., in the State. On evaluation, 4500 hectares have been found to be successful. In addition to this, farmers have raised Eucalyptus trees on the boundaries of agricultural fields, irrigation channels, 'phirnies', wells, tube-wells, compounds of buildings, farm paths, etc., on a large scale. Eucalyptus is very much liked by the farmers as a farm tree. The growth statistics, economics and marketing of these plantations have been discussed. There is a vast scope for extending planting on farms and village link roads and in State forests. It has been advocated that other agricultural States of India should also take to the planting of Eucalyptus or other fast growing species suited to local conditions to meet the deficiency of wood in rural, urban and industrial sectors.

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