S. K. Sarkar , R. N. Chattopadhyay

Abstract

In the lateritic tract of South-West Bengal Sal coppice forests, JFM programme had started in late 1990s and is apparently successful. But the major factor for the continuity of the programme depends on the viability and buoyancy of the institutions i.e. Forest Protection Committees (FPCs) formed for this purpose. In this study attempts were made to assess the income of the FPC members from different sources and resources in Midnapore District of West Bengal, selecting sample FPCs all over the district. How far such income is encouraging to keep them involved in the programme and the ways and means to enhance income have also been indicated and suggested.

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S. K. Sarkar

Abstract

JFM is a recent concept adopted by various States of India, which is an institution building process (not a silvicultural management system) by which it is easier to manage the forests through active participation of the fringe people. But the viability and continuity of these institutions rest on certain factors. The most important is the sustainability of the development process by which the benefits received by the FPC members should be commensurate, at least to some extent, with the services rendered by them in managing the forests effectively. Attempts are made in this article to examine this from institutional, economic and ecological point of view of this programme and suggest improvements. Income of the beneficiaries may not be complementary, but definitely it can be supplemented to great extent, if certain technical and technological measures can be taken. Above everything, motivation and interaction with the FPCs are vital and imparting training for value addition of natural resources is an important factor to augment the income.

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S. K. Sarkar , R. N. Chattopadhyay

Abstract

This article is based on field survey to assess the performance of the Forest Protection Committees through participatory monitoring in four Forest Divisions of Midnapore District with their success and drawbacks.

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S. K. Sarkar

Abstract

In West Bengal canes occur naturally within the agro-climatic zones of Sub-Himalayan Bhabar and Tarai. With the exception of two high altitude canes, other eight species appear in wet mixed plain forests in the swampy pockets. In the recent past, canes were extracted on a cutting cycle of 3 to 5 years. But over-exploitation surreptitiously, extraction of immature plants and clearfelling of natural forests depleted these valuable resources, which were much in demand in local rattan industries. At present, discontinuing clearfelling in natural forests under the provision of Forest Conservation Act, ban on extraction of cane in Working Plan prescription and resorting to artificial regeneration in suitable habitat help rehabilitation of cane in this State.

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S. K. Sarkar

Abstract

In West Bengal the site and situation are different in different parts of the State. The South-West lateritic tract was in severe degradiation. Therefore, priority was given to this area first to form the protection committee, under Joint Forest Management programme and gradually extended to other areas. The strength and weakness of the programme and their remedial measures are suggested.

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