Growth and Potential of Forest-based Industries in Manipur

Abstract

Though the State of Manipur is a repository of rich flora and fauna along with good potential of forest resources - Timber Forest Products (TFPs) and NTFPs, there exist only a few forest-based industries in the State. Also, the progress of development of forest-based industries in the State is very slow due to paucity of investment funds and inadequate supply of raw materials required by the various forest-based industries which can provide the basic requirement of the rural masses and also employment opportunities. If the State Government takes care and gives financial and infrastructural facilities support, some of the forest-based industries may kindle hope for future development and industrialization of the various forestbased industries in the State. There is also a great need of establishing Forest Development Corporation as well as formulation of a separate Industrial Policy for establishing various forest-based industries in the State.