Authors : Dr. Prakash N. Somalkar
Page Nos : 40-45
Description :
Forest sector is important, as it is the second largest land use after
agriculture; it is a source of goods & services used by society. In remote forest fringe
villages about 300 millions Tribal & other local people depend on the forest for their
subsistence & livelihood & about 70% of India’s rural population depends on fuel wood
to meet its domestic energy needs. For about of them, forests are main source of
livelihood &cash income from fuel wood, non-timber forests or construction material.
More than half of India’s 70% tribal people, the most disadvantage section of society,
subsist from forests. Forest protect important catchments for water, conserve soil,
ameliorate, climate & combat against global warming & desertification. It provides
services a wildlife refuge, water shed protection, prevention of soil &water-runoff &
ground water recharge. Both wood & non-wood products are important so are
environmental services of flora & fauna.
Key words ;-
Forest sector, Tribal Community, Rural Culture, Rural economy, Development,
