Sustainable Utilization of Non-Timber Forest Products

Sustainable Utilisation of Non-Timber Forest Products

Team girl power projecT

Aligning with this year’s theme “Ecosystem Restoration” of the World Environment Day, the Girl Power project team organized an event of Tree Plantation, keeping in view the COVID protocol in different places. The guests were Asha Lakra, Mayor, Ranchi; Dr Kamini Kumar, Vice Chancellor, Ranchi University; and Rajesh Kachhap, MLA Khijri (Ranchi). A total of 35 plants were planted in various places including campus of Ranchi University and Ram Dayal Munda Park, Ranchi. The Mayor, on this occasion, gave a special message to women entrepreneurs, focusing on the importance of plantation and its deep linkage with enterprise on how a plant/tree can contribute to one’s income. Jharkhand has a unique relation with forests since ancient times. The word ‘Jharkhand’ connotes ‘area of land covered with forests’. Therefore, literally as well as symbolically, Jharkhand is associated with forests. Tribal people have enjoyed the right to collect Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFP) by tradition. In the beginning, they used to collect NTFPs only for consumption, but later they came to sell them for cash income.

During the project’s Baseline Survey, it was found that NTFPs are found in survey areas too. The minor forest produce provides employment specifically to the tribal families round the year in Jharkhand. NTFPs have been considered as Common Property Resources and available in forest areas. The tribal areas in Chhotanagpur and Santhal Parganas are rich in NTFPs like Tendu leaf, Sal seeds, Mahua, Kusum, Karanj, Palas, Harra, Bahera, Amla, Neem, Honey, Wax, Gum etc. In the forests of Chhotanagpur region, medicinal plants such as Amla, Harra, Bahera, and herbs such as Satwar, Papuravi, Amarlata, Neem, and Bel, are highly valued. During the season of collection, the tribals, including male, female and children, collect the produce from the forest. The collection and quantity depend on the availability of NTFPs in that area. A majority of the species are available between April and July. For collection of NTFPs, villagers, including tribal women and children, go deep inside the forests and cover long distances ranging from 3-10 km. The tribal women give more time for collection and processing of produce (drying and storage of Tendu, Siali, Sal leaves and seeds). The commodities are used for self-consumption and sale depends on quantity.

Non-Timber Forest Products are the next major alternative source of income after agriculture in the study area of the state. The average income and unpaid employment generated through NTFPs based self-employment for the surveyed population in the area varies from `1500-6000/household/ annum. This plays an important role in supporting their livelihood.

A few insights on major NTFPs collected from the study villages are; ♦ Mahua: The tree grows in forest and in the agricultural field area.

On an average, every family has two to three trees. One tree yields about 10 kg of dry flowers and oil is extracted from Mahua fruit and is used for self-consumption and selling. ♦ Tendu leaves are collected by most families; each family collects an average of 200 bundles in a season.

One bundle comprises 100 leaves, tendu fruit is collected and sold.

Each family collects an average of three basket (Dalia) and each Dalia contains 20-30 kg. ♦ Sal fruit collection by the families ranged average 4-6 tins. The oil

extracted from Sal seed is utilized for cooking, lighting and massage purposes and the residue oilseed cake is utilized as cattle feed. ♦ Kusum and Karanj seed is collected for self-consumption for extracting oil consumed in cooking, lighting or lubrication and the residue oilseed cake is vended as cattle feed. The oil has medicinal /therapeutic use. ♦ Bel, Ber, Jamun fruits and

Mushroom are eaten for supplementing nutrition and health. These fruits are also sold in local market. ♦ Bamboos are priced for its multifarious uses like young culms (Karla) for pickle, culms for brooms, baskets, fans, sieves, fish trap, plates and other handicraftsmaking, sticks, huts, tool handles, fishing rods, hunting materials making etc, in the area of the state. ♦ Lac is found abundantly is some districts identified for baseline survey under the Girl Power Project.

Lac has a good market at local and regional level. Price fluctuation has largely affected the income of the farmers.

An assessment was done to explore not only the current but also the potential contribution of NTFPs to both livelihoods and biodiversity. It was seen that NTFPs can play a critical role in providing both food and income for the poorest households, notably by creating income and employment opportunities for women. The project focused on identifying the critical gap for successful NTFPs initiatives that provide income opportunities by evolving value added products, models and methods as well as scope of NTFP based enterprises. Two important forest products in the region are Lac and Mahua, which have potential to provide employment to thousands of tribals living within and around the forest, and therefore these commodities are included in the work plan of the project to impart training to rural women to motivate them to become entrepreneurs by establishing product based enterprises in their vicinity. Mahua is often considered synonymous with alcohol in the context of tribal life and culture.

However, in Jharkhand, many grassroots organizations are engaged in discovering and promoting other uses of the Mahua collected by tribal communities.

While there has been growing concern for forest conservation and bio-diversity issues, management of the NTFPs as a viable alternative to timber has begun to attract attention. A realization has already emerged to shift focus to NTFPs, whose effective and purposeful use could meet the objective of revenue generation without affecting forest conservation measures. Also, future human needs for food, water, health, energy, and settlements to a large extent depend on how the forests are managed. Accordingly, needs for concerted efforts arise not only for conservation of NTFPs but also their proper use for sustainable development.

Gujarat government unveils 4-year plan for state EV policy

GANDHINAGAR: As part of the Gujarat State Electric Vehicle Policy (GSEVP) 2021, the Government of Gujarat has unveiled a four-year plan with a total outlay of `870 crore, which will be offered as subsidy or incentive for new buyers. The funds have also been allocated for those who invest in the development of infrastructure for EVs. Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani said in a press conference that the EV policy will benefit those purchasing electric two-, three-, and four-wheelers, as well those who set up charging stations across the state. He also said that the benefits under the EV policy are over and above those offered by the national FAME-II subsidy scheme. The official estimates suggest that the policy will help the state government save fuel expenditure up to `5 crore and will also reduce carbon emissions by six lakh tonnes in the next four years. The policy will be valid till July 2025, and aims to subsidise the purchase of a total of 2,00,000 EVs, including 1,10,000 two-wheelers, 70,000 three-wheelers and 20,000 fourwheelers. The incentive of `10,000 per kWh of battery capacity is the highest offered in any state. However, the total incentive is capped at `20,000 for twowheelers, `50,000 for three and `1.5 lakh for four-wheelers. The incentives and subsidy will be directly credited to the bank account of the consumer by the Department of Transport, Government of Gujarat, once the purchasing document is authenticated. Moreover, there is a price threshold for EVs which are eligible for the subsidy. In order to avail the benefits, the ex-factory cost of the two-wheeler should be less than `1.5 lakh, three-wheelers should be up to `5 lakh and four-wheeler should be below `15 lakh. The subsidy is available for both commercial and personal-use vehicles.

The state government has also waived off the registration fees for buyers of EVs, which will make them even more affordable. Gujarat has 278 charging stations across the state so far and is aiming to add 250 more, which will take the total to 528 stations. Those who set-up the first 250 commercial public EV charging stations will be eligible for 25 per cent capital subsidy on the equipment/machinery (capped at `10 lakh per station). The state government will also waive off the electricity duty for EV charging stations for the duration of the policy. The policy directs all commercial and housing entities to produce a ‘No Objection Certificate’ to those members who want to install charging stations and designated parking spaces. Sohinder Gill, Director General, Society of Manufacturers of Electric Vehicles, said that the policy is a welcome step by the state government and aims to make Gujarat an EV hub and mobilise rapid adoption of EVs in the state. He said, “We are excited to be a part of this policy and would put all efforts in order to achieve the target under the policy.” Mahesh Babu, Chief Executive Officer, Mahindra Electric Mobility Ltd, said, “We thank the state government for notifying the new EV policy which is both progressive and comprehensive in nature. The outlay of `870 crore over the next four years will help EVs to flourish in the state. The policy outlines clear adoption strategies, especially in the last mile mobility segment. The fiscal benefits being offered by the government will directly benefit the end customer while the non-fiscal benefits will help develop the overall EV ecosystem in the state.

India, Bhutan review development ties

NEW DELHI: In order to review their development partnership, India and Bhutan met virtually on June 28 and agreed to implement some new projects in the Himalayan nation across various sectors such as road infrastructure, water and COVID-19 management.

The talks between the two nations were part of the 3rd India-Bhutan Development Cooperation Talks. Rahul Chhabra, Secretary (Economic Relations), Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), led the Indian delegation while the Bhutanese delegation was led by Kinga Sinye, Foreign Secretary, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement. Indian Ambassador to Bhutan Ruchira Kamboj also attended the talks. It added that India committed `4500 crore for implementation of development projects and `400 crore for the transitional Trade Support Facility during Bhutan’s 12th Five Year Plan.

The MEA further said that as many as 77 large and intermediate projects and 524 small development projects (SDPs)/high impact community development projects (HICDPs) are at various stages of implementation under the 12th Five Year Plan. With the plan completing its third year, India and Bhutan reviewed the overall progress of the ongoing Project Tied Assistance (PTA) projects, as well as the SDPs/HICDPs.

Sinye highlighted the impact of HICDPs at the grassroots level and commended India’s role in the socio-economic transformation of the Himalayan nation. During the talks, both sides also agreed to implement some new PTA projects across numerous sectors, including road infrastructure, water management, industrial parks and COVID-19 management. India deeply values its privileged partnership with Bhutan. The Indian side remains committed to continue to support Bhutan in its development efforts, the MEA said. The two sides agreed to hold the next Development Cooperation Talks on a mutually decided date.

LONDON: Researchers from the University College London, United Kingdom, have developed a noninvasive and cheap technique which can accurately detect the novel coronavirus using samples taken from screens of smartphones. They analysed the swabs via mobile phones, rather than testing them directly, using a method known as Phone Screen Testing (PoST).

The researchers found that those who tested positive by the regular nasal swab test also tested positive when the samples were taken from the mobile phones. The study, published in the journal eLife on June 22, detected the presence of the novel coronavirus on the phones of those who are 81 to 100 per cent contagious with high viral load, which suggests that this technique is as accurate as antigen tests. The researchers noted that the global screening of SARS-CoV-2 is still a priority as COVID-19 is continuously mutating and new variants keep emerging when the vaccine rollout is not adequate in various countries. PoST is more of an environmental test rather than a clinical test, which is non-invasive and low costing than the traditional method of testing, according to the researchers.

The features mean that it is suitable for rollout in low-income countries and also decreases the discomfort of current testing methods. The team also added that PoST sampling takes less time and does not require any medical assistance. It is a revolutionary testing methodology which will help in mass testing.

Method developed to detect COVID-19 effectively from phone swabs

NITI Aayog sensitizing states on MPI and SDGs

Sanyukta Samaddar, Advisor to NITI Aayog, has been visiting various states to hold sensitization workshops across the nation. She visited Karnataka on June 28 for a workshop on achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). She urged administrators to take up focused action on high priority SDGs. Samaddar has been sensitizing state governments of Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) measures too. The advisor focuses on encouraging the states to avoid overlapping deprivations and focus on priority areas for action at national, state and district levels to implement initiatives to alleviate poverty.

Development work to be completed before Aug 15 in Dehradun Smart City

Ashish Srivastava, District Magistrate, Dehradun and CEO of Smart City Dehradun, announced that all developmentrelated work in the city will be completed by August 15. During his review of smart city works at several places in the city, he issued instructions to the responsible contractors to adhere by the deadline. Some roads have been dug up in the city for laying pipelines and multi-utility ducts. Therefore, he has instructed contractors to take special care of that and to report to relevant departments in case any roads cave due to rains. He has also asked other departments of the municipal corporation to follow suit.

UP to connect healthcare centres with main roads

In a bid to provide people with easy access to proper healthcare facilities, the Government of Uttar Pradesh has decided to connect all primary health centres and community health centres in both rural and urban areas to main roads. The responsibility to improve the road network has been handed to the urban development department, municipal corporations, the public works department, gram panchayats and urban/rural bodies. This move is being undertaken as a result of the devastating impact of the second COVID-19 wave.

Municipal workers to get social security benefits

The Ministry of Labour and Employment, Government of India, has directed the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation to cover all casual and contractual workers employed with the municipal bodies under the ESI Act. This direction will assist lakhs of people to come under the social security cover, which will include sickness, maternity, disability and dependent benefits. These beneficiaries will be eligible to explore medical benefits via the huge network of ESI facilities including 160 hospitals and more than 1500 dispensaries across the country.

Climate impacts are to hit sooner than expected: UN Report

NEW DELHI: As suggested by the landmark draft report by United Nation Organisation (UNO), climate change will affect life on Earth in the coming decade, even if humans try and control the greenhouse gas emissions. Events such as extinction of species, widespread diseases, unlivable heat, collapse of ecosystem and cities menaced by the rising seas are the obvious consequences which people will face after around 30 years from present, the report added.

The dangerous thresholds of climate change are closer than expected and the dire consequences stemming from decades of unbridled carbon pollution are unavoidable in the coming future. The report also said that the challenges posed by it are systematic and unfair as those who are least responsible for global warming will suffer disproportionately. The report warned that previous major climate shocks dramatically ended species and changed the environment. It raises the question if humans are sowing seeds for their own demise.

The key takeaways from the report include a temperature increase of 1.1 degree Celsius recorded so far, which indicates that the Earth’s climate is already changing. The 2015 Paris Agreement set the target of capping rise in global temperatures due to global warming below 2 degrees Celsius. However, keeping the current trend in mind, the world is set to experience a three degree Celsius rise in temperature at best, the report said.

One more major takeaway from the report is that the world must face its reality and prepare for tackling the effects of climate change as the current levels of adaptation will not help in the future. Scientists have also pointed towards the point-of-no-return thresholds in the climate, which are known as tipping points, and experts have just begun to understand and measure them.

Rajasthan UDHD to implement land pooling scheme

JAIPUR: The Urban Development and Housing Department (UDHD) of the Government of Rajasthan is planning to implement the land pooling scheme in the state. The rules of the Act were framed in 2020, but its implementation was not visible on the ground. The UDHD has now directed all urban local bodies (ULBs) of the state to send proposals of schemes for plots having a minimum area of 250 hectares.

ULBs have been directed to plan proposals to develop hospitals, parks, stadiums, and educational institutes along with the residential schemes. According to a senior official, the government has decided to promote the Land Pooling Scheme (LPS) because its model has been successfully implemented in many cities. As per the Act on LPS, part of a land will be used for urban infrastructure development with the consent of the land owner. Under the LPS, land owners will be able to come and give their lands, where city authorities will work as facilitators and then develop it as per the layout rules. The concerned civic body would later give the proportionate piece of developed land with necessary infrastructure, including roads, parks, and open spaces, to the land owner. As a facilitator, civic bodies can earn revenue by way of its share, including the cost of development, and land owners will receive a good value for their share of the land. The scheme dictates that a land owner will receive 45 per cent as compensation on developed land.