Forestry for driving development in Manipur
- With particular reference to activities and achievements -
- Part 1 -

Bala Prasad and Ajeeta Longjam *

Landscape view from Tingkai Khullen, located in Saitu-Gamphazol of Senapati district in November 2015 :: Pix - Daniel Chabungbam

1. Forests of Manipur

Manipur, famous for its fascinating scenic beauty, abundant natural endowments and rich cultural heritages, has the unique distinction of possessing diverse and rich forests. These forests have been nourishing the local population, particularly in the hill areas since ages, by meeting their sustenance needs of livelihood, firewood, fodder, food, medicinal plants, etc. They are the source of many rivers, which are lifeline for the down the stream population. Forestry is probably the only economic activity in the State, which has been producing surpluses. Till date, the State is a net exporting state with respect to forest products.

In the hill areas, people were used to fall back on the forests to generate essential finance to meet the essential expenditure for medical treatment, children education, etc. These forests are home of a very wide range of flora and fauna. They have plants from the Himalayas to Malaya on the one hand and China on the other. Manipur is also home of the State Tree- Phoebe hainesiana (Uningthou), State Flower – Lilium macklineae (Shiroi Lily), State Animal – Rucervus eldii eldii (Sangai) and State Bird – Syrmaticus humiae (Nongin)

1.1 Forest Cover

The forest cover of the state is 16,994 Sq. Km. It is heartening to note that in the latest Indian State of Forest Report, 2015, Manipur is the only state in the North Eastern region to increase its forest cover by 4 sq kms. As detailed in Table 1, all districts registered increase in forest cover except Tamenglong and Bishnupur.

1.2 Forest Types

The State has a wide range of forests types viz. Tropical Semi-evergreen Forests, Moist Deciduous Forests, Sub-tropical Pine Forests, Tropical Dry Deciduous Forests, East Himalayan Wet temperate Forests and Sub-Alpine Forests.

1.3 Biodiversity

Out of 34 hotspots across the globe, India has four and out of the four, Manipur has two – Himalayan and the Indo-Burma hotspot. In fact, Manipur has the largest area of Indo-Burma hotspot as compared to other Indian states. In addition to Manipur being a repository of a wide range of flora and fauna, it has rich traditional knowledge, associated with them.

1.4 Bamboo

Bamboo is a versatile plant with myriad number of end uses and associated with mankind since time immemorial. Bamboo products are widely used in paper and rayon manufacture, construction, architecture, engineering, handicrafts, food and medicine. Out of 125 species found in India, 54 species are reported to be available in Manipur. The State has one of the largest bamboo growing areas in India. About 10 Lakhs Tons of bamboo can be harvested from the state.

While the industrial use has been attracting attention, the non-industrial use has an intimate relationship with the local people. Combined with proper processing and market facilities, bamboo can play a major role in providing a sustainable source of livelihood to the population and also, opening up employment opportunities for the local people. 2 million MT per year (1/6 of growing stock) taking difficult area into account harvestable bamboo in Manipur is 1 million MT per year

1.5 Medicinal Plants

These forests are repository of a large number of medicinal plants. Many medicinal plants are also collected from the vegetation found in Loktak lake and agricultural fields. More than 1200 medicinal plants (out of total approximately 6500 in India), including 430 species with local traditional medicinal uses have been listed in Manipur.

Many medicinal plants are locally used as vegetables and fruits. Further, there are many scientific organizations e.g. Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development (IBSD), Imphal; North-East Institute of Science and Technology, (formerly Regional Research Laboratory:Jorhat, a unit of CSIR) Substation, Imphal; Central Agricultural University, Imphal etc. capable to contribute in the research and technical works in medicinal plants sector.

The climatic and edaphic conditions in Manipur are most suitable for cultivation and natural regeneration of varieties of medicinal plants. In Manipur all plants except those found in desert, alpine, sub-alpine,marine and mangrove can be produced.

2. Activities

2.1 Scheme on Plantations

Undertaking various types of plantation is the major activity of the Department. Plantations undertaken have been given in Table 2 and various schemes have been described under succeeding sections.

I. Economic Plantations:- Economic Plantations are taken up to restock the Reserved Forests in 9 (nine) Forest Divisions. Considering the poor stock of forests in the Reserved Forests and with a view to meet the requirements of the local people, Economic Plantations are taken up. A total of 530 ha was planted under Economic Plantation during 2015-16.

II. Afforestation under Soil Conservation:- The works of Afforestation are implemented by Soil Conservation Division with a view to develop forests where the quality of existing forests is poor and the water regime of the forests is required to be improved. A total of 300 ha has been planted under the Afforestation works under the Soil Conservation Division.

III. Rehabilitation of Jhumias:- In order to rehabilitate poor jhumias and to desist them from causing further damage/destruction to the forests through jhum cultivation, this Scheme is also implemented. A total of 48 ha has been planted under this Scheme.

IV. Social Forestry:- Plantation works under Social Forestry are implemented by 3 (three) Social Forestry Divisions. The plantations are taken up for the benefit and with involvement of the local people. Locally suitable Multi-purpose Tree Species are planted under the Scheme. A total 330 ha has been planted under this Scheme during 2015-16.



To be continued...