Forest Protection in Arid Zones: Problems and Research Priorities

The degraded arid lands and the mountainous ecosystem of the fast denuding Aravallis coupled with the increasing problems of its inhabitants, demand an immediate attention for development and eco-restoration of the region through afforestation. The task is both complex and herculean and requires evolvement of well coordinated and scientifically sound research programmes. The statement that "Forestry is 90% protection" perhaps holds more true for arid zones. The opening of the Institute for Arid Zone Forestry Research at Jodhpur, though late, is a welcome step. Among all the Forestry Research Institutes in the country, this Institute has an altogether different and difficult task of planning and orienting its research priorities with a view to make the Indian desert a land of greenery with good vegetative cover. The thrust areas of research to be identified by this Institute should tberefore, aim at (i) checking further desertification of the useful land area through proper land use practices and various afforestation programme. With suitable indigenous and exotic species, (ii) preservation and eco-development of Aravallis, (iii) evolving comparatively safe and ecologically acceptable technology for increasing productivity through sound suitable protection regimes and (iv) people's participation in all developmental programmes for overall improvement In the environment and economic prosperity of the region. This paper outlines the major pest problems of arid zone forestry and areas of research priorities in forest protection in the Indian desert.