Commercial Productivity of Kanara Forests, Karnataka

Forests are valuable for their direct and indirect benefits. Though it is very difficult to quantify the indirect benefits, the direct benefits can be assessed in a more realistic way. An attempt is made to assess the commercial productivity and the money value of Natural forests of Kanara in Karnataka from the fellings done in Yellapur Forest Division. Various thinnings in teak plantations yield revenue much more than the initial investment. Dead and fallen wood are also available in forests which could be salvaged to obtain revenue and to meet the local demands. It is estimated that an ha of natural forests would yeild a revenue of about Rs. 2 lakh per ha whereas 'from deadwood extraction alone a revenue of about Rs. 1000 per ha is available. The natural forests have a remarkable potential for recovery when left to itself. A forest when allowed to regenerate naturally for 20 years has yielded a revenue of Rs, 10,535 00 per ha.