NEW DELHI: Dehradun-based apex national forestry research institution of the environment ministry has developed and released 74 clones and varieties of plantation tree species to improve yield, quality and productivity to meet the domestic demand of wood-based industries and also to increase the carbon sequestration and storage potential of green cover.
Clones generally enhance quality green cover and productivity. This step is part of a series of policy measures taken by the ministry towards greening of the environment, particularly with respect to boosting the agroforestry sector.
Clones and varieties of important species, developed by Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE), include Casuarina, Eucalyptus, Poplar, Dalbergia sissoo (Sisham), Calophyllum, Melia dubia (Malabar teak) and Neem.
“These varieties are made available to various stakeholders through extension programmes and licensing agreements, benefiting state forest departments, forest development corporations, farmers, NGOs, plantation companies, and private nurseries,” said environment secretary, Leena Nandan, while sharing details of what her ministry has been doing to improve the quality and extent of green cover “in and beyond” forest landscapes.
Besides tapping quality planting stock through “high productivity clones and varieties”, the other programmes of the ministry include the newly launched Green Credit Programme, National Transit Pass System for timer, bamboo and other forest produce, and the Indian Forest & Wood Certification Scheme to encourage sustainable forest management and agroforestry practices throughout the country.
The certification scheme includes certification of tree outside forest management, providing market incentives for entities involved in responsible agroforestry practices. “Certified products would be sold on competitive domestic and global markets and thus encourage consumers towards green products,” said the secretary.
She said, “Certification under the scheme is available to individual farmers, groups of farmers, institutions, or industries engaged in agroforestry, wood-based industries, or any entities involved in the wood value chain.”
The scheme offers a certification logo bearing the brand name PRAMAAN, which can be applied and used on the certified wood products or processed items.
Implementation of the scheme will be carried out by the Indian Institute of Forest Management, Bhopal, providing support and facilitating certification processes and procedures.
“The certification process will be conducted by impartial, competent, and independent Certification Bodies. These bodies will handle
applications, conduct independent audits based on criteria and indicators outlined in the certification standards adopted by the Indian Forest and Wood Certification Scheme,” said the secretary.
She said, “The amalgamation of policy reforms, certification schemes, and sustainable management standards, all underscore the nation’s commitment to embedding sustainability into every aspect of the economy, whereby agroforestry and green credits would effectively become an integral part of India’s prosperity and growth.”
Clones generally enhance quality green cover and productivity. This step is part of a series of policy measures taken by the ministry towards greening of the environment, particularly with respect to boosting the agroforestry sector.
Clones and varieties of important species, developed by Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE), include Casuarina, Eucalyptus, Poplar, Dalbergia sissoo (Sisham), Calophyllum, Melia dubia (Malabar teak) and Neem.
“These varieties are made available to various stakeholders through extension programmes and licensing agreements, benefiting state forest departments, forest development corporations, farmers, NGOs, plantation companies, and private nurseries,” said environment secretary, Leena Nandan, while sharing details of what her ministry has been doing to improve the quality and extent of green cover “in and beyond” forest landscapes.
Besides tapping quality planting stock through “high productivity clones and varieties”, the other programmes of the ministry include the newly launched Green Credit Programme, National Transit Pass System for timer, bamboo and other forest produce, and the Indian Forest & Wood Certification Scheme to encourage sustainable forest management and agroforestry practices throughout the country.
The certification scheme includes certification of tree outside forest management, providing market incentives for entities involved in responsible agroforestry practices. “Certified products would be sold on competitive domestic and global markets and thus encourage consumers towards green products,” said the secretary.
She said, “Certification under the scheme is available to individual farmers, groups of farmers, institutions, or industries engaged in agroforestry, wood-based industries, or any entities involved in the wood value chain.”
The scheme offers a certification logo bearing the brand name PRAMAAN, which can be applied and used on the certified wood products or processed items.
Implementation of the scheme will be carried out by the Indian Institute of Forest Management, Bhopal, providing support and facilitating certification processes and procedures.
“The certification process will be conducted by impartial, competent, and independent Certification Bodies. These bodies will handle
applications, conduct independent audits based on criteria and indicators outlined in the certification standards adopted by the Indian Forest and Wood Certification Scheme,” said the secretary.
She said, “The amalgamation of policy reforms, certification schemes, and sustainable management standards, all underscore the nation’s commitment to embedding sustainability into every aspect of the economy, whereby agroforestry and green credits would effectively become an integral part of India’s prosperity and growth.”
