Nadda asks Forest Corp to prepare business model

shimla, Mar 5 (UNI) Himachal Pradesh Forest Minister J P Nadda has asked the H.P. Forest Corporation to prepare business model to promote commercial activities in order to face the challenges posed by globalisation.

He said that diversification was the need of the hour and the Corporation could become profit-making institution by adopting this kind of model.

He was addressing a review meeting of H.P. Forest Corporation and Swa River Integrated Watershed Management Project here last evening.

Mr Nadda said that the Corporation should also focus upon other sources of income besides the traditional revenue generating sources and stressed upon the need to improve all those units, which were not earning profits.

He said that the Corporation should undertake detailed market survey for selling its products at competitive rates, which would strengthen its marketing system.

He said that eco-tourism should be promoted by setting up 'Tent Colonies' for tourists at identified tourist destinations and by bringing Forest Rest Houses at important tourist places under the purview of the Corporation. Such activities could attract more tourists to rural areas also, he added.

Mr Nadda said that State Government was encouraging cultivation of herbal plants and Corporation should also explore the possibilities of cultivation and marketing of such plants.

He said that the Corporation should diversify its activities by setting up projects based upon bamboo and added that it should take advantage of expansion in construction activities and promote retail marketing of wood.

This would also increase the revenue, he added.

UNI XC JN MMS1636