India
As industrial plantations are not allowed in India,
BILT has initiated farm forestry operations in several
states. This programme is manned by experienced forestry
professionals, and specifically focuses on marginal
farmers with unproductive lands. These farmers are
provided with high-yielding clones of pulpwood species,
and are offered extension services and expert advice. In
addition, the company facilitates long-term, tailor-made
bank loans to needy farmers. The company also assures
purchase of their pulpwood produce at a declared support
price or market price, whichever is higher.
Besides securing a sustainable supply of raw material
for BILT’s paper plants, the farm forestry programme
has several social, economical and ecological benefits.
It generates employment for the rural communities,
converts non-performing assets into performing assets,
and reduces the pressure on natural forests.
Apart from bringing about a sea change in the
socio-economic fabric of these rural areas through
productive use of marginal lands, the farm forestry
programme has resulted in:
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soil and water conservation,
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increased soil fertility due to addition of organic matter,
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cleaner air, and
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protection against natural calamities like storms and floods
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To date, the company has brought over 30,000 hectares
of fallow and wasteland under tree plantations,
benefitting around 32,000-35,000 farmers.
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