A Study of Status of Joint Forest Management in Haryana, India

Abstract

Haryana State is one of the pioneers in practice of JFM and the experience is about three decades old. Some of the very successful models of the concept that have demonstrative affect on similar areas have been established and continue to function to this date. Replication of this has not occurred to the expected level as certain conditions necessary for success are lacking. Loss of importance of catalysts because of change in technology and user preferences is causing anxiety regarding very survival of the concept. Investment already made is to be consolidated in as short a time as is possible as life of a productive asset in fragile areas is limited. Natural forests and slow and low-producers, therefore, can support insignificant number of rural population. Capital generated because of new investment is to be used as quickly as possible for creating alternative productive opportunities that are not related to forests as a resource base. Over-drive of the concept has earned criticism and team spirit is yet to be fully harnessed within forest department. The most important land based activity viz., agroforestry has so far not attracted attention of the wise people professing JFM. When extended to productive agricultural land with sufficient Government efforts for creating demand for the produce, synergy would bloom.