West Bengal Forest Development Corporation Limited in Retrospect and Perspective

Abstract

Forest Development Corporations were set up in different States of the country following the recommendations of National Commission on Agriculture, in the seventies. The objective was to maximise production from unit area of forests with adequate investment, which was lacking, from financial institutions. West Bengal Forest Development Corporation Limited was accordingly incorporated in this State in 1974 and embarked on a project to develop the undeveloped forest areas of Kalimpong and Darjeeling Division with finance from Agricultural Refinance Development Corporation (now NABARD). The project was completed in 1982-83 and a second phase programme were drawn up for a 5 years period. But because of wide spread political disturbances in the hills in the 'eighties and because of ban on production forestry in natural forests, the Project (Phase-II) could not be implemented. The Corporation has diversified its activities and operations in line with the current policy and is exploring new grounds to sustain its activities. A brief account in retrospection and perspective has been sought to be presented in the paper.