Adopt tech-driven conservation, boost production forestry: MoS

Calling for a technology-driven and economically sustainable approach to forest management, Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Kirti Vardhan Singh urged State Forest department to adopt improved plantation techniques, strengthen soil and moisture conservation measures, and promote production forestry to enhance farmers’ income while ensuring ecological sustainability.
Vardhan Singh said this while interacting with officers of the department of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, at the Forest Guest House, Kohima on February 9.
The officers, led by principal secretary Y. Kikheto Sema, apprised the minister of various initiatives undertaken for conservation of forests, wildlife and other natural resources in the state.
Emphasizing the need to enhance afforestation efforts in both rural and urban areas to address forest degradation, Sema sought increased allocation for Nagaland under the Nagar Van scheme. He also requested the Centre to consider proposals under the Green India Mission (GIM) of MoEFCC.
Informing the minister about steps taken to promote agarwood plantation in the state, Kikheto said the draft Agarwood Policy for Nagaland has been submitted to the Cabinet for consideration.
He further requested allocation of funds under the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA).
During the interaction, Singh encouraged officials to adopt a renewed approach towards conservation with technological interventions.
He urged the department to take up comprehensive measures to address forest fires, landslides and water scarcity through soil and moisture conservation activities, and to ensure sustainable management of the state’s natural resources for economic and ecological benefits.
Advising the adoption of improved plantation techniques, including superior teak clones and agarwood inoculation, the minister called upon officials to collaborate with research institutions such as IFGTB, Coimbatore, and RFRI, Jorhat, to bring technological advancements to tree cultivation in Nagaland.
Highlighting the need for improved forest management practices to enhance economic returns from teak and agarwood plantations, he stressed the promotion of production forestry to strengthen farmers’ livelihoods in the state.