Tree cultivation in private lands to be encouraged: Raja

Chennai, Feb 24 (UNI) Union Minister for Environment and Forests A Raja today reitreated that tree cultivation in private land had to be encouraged for it would protect humanity.

Inaugurating a workshop on the subject organised by the Tamil Nadu Forest Department here, he urged protection of forests as the need of the hour since the majority of the population was associated with and dependent on natural resources.

Disclosing the Centre's move to expand existing forest cover to 33 per cent by 2012, Mr Raja said the Indian Institute of Forest Management had been roped in to conduct research to frame guidelines about tree cultivation.

Mr Raja further mentioned that private participation and cooperation on tree plantation alone could make it a reality.

He said the outcome of the workshop be submitted to the IIFM for acquiring valuable information. The concept of tree cultivation in private lands could be inculcated in the minds of the people as a traditional revolution, he added.

UNI