Conservation of minor forest produce stressed

Sirsi, Karnataka, Oct 17 (UNI) Dr S K Patil, Director of Sirsi College of Forestry, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad, today called upon the people to emphasise upon conservation of minor forest produce to pass on the country's valuable forest wealth to the next generation.

Delivering the keynote address at the inaugural of a two-day national expert meeting on 'Non-Wood Forest Products and Management,' organised by environmental organisations here, he said people were following ''unscientific'' methods of harvesting, leading to destruction of valuable forest wealth. People should try to regenerate rare species of trees as it would provide income, food security and nutritious food.

He stressed upon the need for educating people in harvesting methods and forest extension activities in the country. People should be educated on sustainable method of afforestation, processing and marketing channel.

Delivering a special lecture on 'Forest Resources: Role in Survival of Civilisation, Empires and Culture', Dr K N Ganeshaiah of the School of Ecology and Conservation, UAS, GKVK, Bangalore, said that during 15-16th century, there was a horde of forest wealth in the Vijayanagar empire and 80 per cent of the world's demand for sandalwood was procured from Vijayanagar only. Vijayanagar king Krishnadeva Raya traded spices and sandalwood for horses and guns with the Europeans. In fact, the Vijayanagar empire's invasion of Orissa was more for the red sandalwood available in plenty there than for political reasons, he claimed.

About 20 experts from Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh were participating in the meet and would give recommendations to the Government on conservation of Non-Wood Forest Products and its management.

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