Jammu and Kashmir with 48% forest covered area can be a game changer in the livelihoods of the tribal and other local population residing near forest areas. Since independence, Jammu and Kashmir Forests Department has the sole rights of managing the timber as well as other forest produce, for decades policy of forest lessees, unauthorised tree cutting, still unmarked area and what not happened and the resultant mismanagement resulted in a failed Forest Corporation and while neighbouring states are earning crores from the exports of medicinal plants and other forest products our UT is still grappling with drafting laws to get maximum out of our vast forest resources. Locals and Forest Department conflict over green grazing pastures, fodder and firewood is not new like other parts in rest of country but it is high time now to set the things right and administration has taken the right step. Despite high market value produce like Guchhis, Mushkbala, Banafsha, Belladona etc., yet nothing tangible has been done to increase the yield or revenue generation from these or other medicinal plants. Fact is Forest Department have neither expertise nor intent to focus on these, it is beyond the scope of their domain. With the three tier Panchayati Raj well established, administration has rightly given the mandate to them for governing the produce in collaboration with the interests of locals. Now the locals can look forward towards rights of cutting grass, grazing cattle, removing medicinal roots, fruits, flowers, fuel wood along with splinters of Deodhar and Kail. Agriculture, Horticulture and Ayurvedic College/department can help in extraction and role of Forest Department will be to protect and conserve the medicinal plants. Permits can be given to locals for carrying these extracts to get maximum. Further administration can go in for GI Tagging of specific produce like Guchhis and others, once done it will go a long way to holistic development of tribal and locals. Intent is clear and results are not far away.
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