2008-'09 - Kerala Forest Research Institute

Annual Report 2008-09
and encroachment form the different alternatives for improving the forest
conditions. Alternative analysis indicated that controlling fire seems to be best
option for improvement of forest conditions taking into account its immediate
effect, easiness to implement, financial and economic viability, social and political
acceptance and the widespread impact.
Cause and effect analysis for decrease in productivity levels of forest plantations showed
that it resulted from poor genetic stock, low management inputs, soil erosion, illicit felling
and to some extent, fire. These deficiencies arise from poor technology, inadequate
infrastructure and ineffective enforcement of regulations. Inadequate research programmes
and deficient institutional capabilities could be contributing to the above situation in the
wake of inadequate financial and technical resources. Low productivity of plantations
puts higher pressure on homesteads as a timber source, results in increased imports due
to shortage of raw materials. At the national level, this leads to loss of tree cover, loss of
foreign exchange, lower profits and lower quality of life due to lower employment and
natural disasters. In the presence of adequate financial and technical resources, institutional
capabilities are strengthened resulting in better technology, adequate infrastructure
and effective enforcement of regulations. Good plantation technology with high
management inputs and effective soil conservation brings in higher productivity.
Control on illicit felling and fire help protect the resource. Improved productivity
puts less pressure on homesteads for production of wood. Higher domestic
production implies fewer imports, more availability of raw materials and enhanced
environmental benefits on account of the larger growing stock. These impacts are
then carried over to the national level. Alternative analysis conducted showed that
providing high management inputs and controlling fire are preferable on account
of the quickness of results. Plant improvement programme, although effective,
has long gestation period.
Cause and effect analysis for decreasing outturn from industries identified shortage of
raw material, inferior processing technology employed, poor processing capacity, high
input costs such as that of electricity/diesel, administrative snags and several other
operational difficulties as causes. Low domestic production, inadequate funds of the
entrepreneurs and ineffective regulations act as causes for the deteriorating situation.
Deficient institutional capabilities and ineffective policies lead to the poor operational
environment. Low industrial outturn gives lower returns for the entrepreneurs,
results in increased imports, promotes unemployment and increased product costs.
At the national level, this leads to economic recession, loss of foreign exchange,
poverty and inflation. In the presence of adequate financial and technical resources,
institutional capabilities are strengthened. Coupled with good policies, this leads
to higher domestic production of raw materials, and effective regulations. The
resulting sector outputs are adequate raw materials, better processing technology,
higher processing capacity, low input costs and absence of unwanted administrative
controls. Increased outturn leads to higher returns, less imports, higher employment
Kerala Forest Research Institute
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