Dr Mohit Gera presides over workshop organized at Forest Complex Kishtwar
KISHTWAR : Dr. Mohit Gera, IFS Principal Chief Conservator of Forests & HoFF J&K accompanied by Dr. Jatinder Kumar Singh, IFS Conservator of Forests, Chenab Circle, Doda, who are on 4 days tour to Chenab Valley, addressed a workshop organized at Forest Complex Kishtwar on “NTPF as alternate livelihood”.
The event was chaired by Pr. Chief Conservator of Forests and (HoFF) J&K in which various BMC members, PRIs, Farmers, Collectors and other stockholder from different areas like Marwah, Dachhan, Paddar, Bunjwah and local from Kishtwar participated.
Besides, the Deputy Commissioner, Kishtwar Ashok Kumar Sharma, S. Pranab Misra, Brig. 9 RR, S. Senthil Kumar, IFS Chief Conservator of Forests/ Nodal Officer, FCA, Dr. Nadeem Hussain, IFS Conservator of Forests, Central, Param Shivam, Commandant CRPF, District Agriculture Officer, Chief Horticulture Officer, Prof. Faisal Mushtaq and representative of NRLM were also present.
Stalls by Forest Department showing various species of MFP’s, with their uses and stalls by Horticulture, Agriculture, Ayush and Wildlife departments were also setup.
Various Stakeholders/Farmers shared their experiences about cultivation and use of MFP’s including Guchhies as source of income/ alternate livelihood. Sewa Ram & Ishar Chand, shared their experience about availability of MFP in the area, their local usage and technique of growing MFP. The D.F.O Marwah, Vijay Kumar spoke in detail about MFP as alternate livelihood.
The Deputy Commissioner, Kishtwar suggested for revival of sustainable utilization of MFPs exclusively growing in the District.
Brig. 9 RR and Commandant also shared their experiences and suggested some valuable points on MFP.
The Chief Agriculture Officer and Chief Horticulture Officer also spoke on the occasion.
The Chief Guest Dr. Mohit Gera, IFS Pr. Chief Conservator of Forests, J&K and (HoFF) and Chairman J&K Biodiversity Council in his concluding speech informed that as per latest satellite report of December, 2021 the J&K represents maximum wood Biomass and carbon stock per unit area in the country. He also told that Forest Department in association with other sister departments have planted 137 lakhs plants during 2021-22 in addition to 96 lakhs low cost planting methods and assured that the plantation target will be higher in next year. He also appreciated the role of Army and CAPF in contributing two plantation.
About collection of MFP, the Pr. Chief Conservator of Forests, J&K and (HoFF) informed that a proper mechanism is being evolved with the involvement of village Panchayats, Biodiversity Management Committees whereby the MFP shall be collected by locals for its sustainable utilization. This will help to create livelihood opportunity for significant number of people and tribal communities. He also highlighted the role of tribal affairs department and livelihood mission of the Government.
Dr. Jatinder Kumar Singh, IFS Conservator of Forests, Chenab Circle, Doda sharing vote of thanks to all VIPs and participants expressed pleasure on successful organizing of the workshop.