Forestry Extension: Strategies to Make Forestry Technology Acceptable to the People

Extension of forestry research and technology packages to local people, teachers, NGOs and prospective tree growers has acquired great significance in view of fast depleting forest resource and acute shortage offuel, fodder and tim her. Several questions asked on afforestation by different target groups are: species to be grown, their yield, net returns, market for the produce and availability of good planting stock. Reliable data base on growth rate, yield and income need to be generated. Tree species having short gestation period, fast growing and resistant to drought, pest and diseases are to be recommended for planting. Peoples participation has to be ensured. Some legal restrictions put on cutting of trees planted by farmers are to be removed. Suitable solution to above problems, coordination among different agencies and an integrated approach using modern audio-visual techniques, intensive training to field workers, selection of motivated local extension workers are some of the ways to make extension education more effective and acceptable.