AFP Board in Punjab will enhance Govt Revenue Stable Timber supply

AFP Board in Punjab will enhance Govt Revenue Stable Timber supply to Ind. and Favorable prices for farmers

We have suggested the government that the market fee should be abolished from the portal system to make it more useful.

In what stage is the plan to promote afforestation of vacant land in Punjab?

Usually, working of government is stuck in processes due to formalities. Therefore, a suggestion has been made to the government to establish the Agroforestry Promotion Board in Punjab. Agriculture Department, Forest Department, Revenue Department, nurseries, plywood industry experts, and farmers are to be included in the board. It is essential that this board holds regular meetings to make positive strides in this direction. The government has entrusted the conservator of forest with the responsibility of preparing a draft for this purpose, as the conservator is also on the board, and preparation of the draft is currently underway. This board is expected to be a groundbreaking step in promoting agroforestry in Punjab. The Punjab Chief Minister is also pleased with this plan.

Why the board was felt necessary?

Currently, there is a rule under which lease rate for government or panchayat land is increased every year by ten percent. This is too much. Over 15 years, it will be amounted up to three hundred percent, which will be more than the value of the land itself. Government-owned land is abundant, but land acquisition on these terms is not affordable. A ten percent increase in five years is acceptable, anyhow. Therefore, the formation of the board is necessary to solve these practical obstacles.

How will the board function?

First, the board will find out the formalities and conditions for the leasing of land. Identifying the type of land is also a crucial task for the board. Whether the land is irrigated or non-irrigated, ploughed or not, barren or fertile, all these factors will determine the lease rates for different lands. Furthermore, any agreement between landowners and lessees will be monitored by the board. This ensures that the interests of all parties are safeguarded, minimising the disputes.

How participation of people be increased?

We have advised the government to appoint one unemployed youth as care taker for every 20 acres of land. This will also increase employment opportunities in villages. Young people can also utilise leased land to supply timber to industries. This single initiative can benefit society on a large scale.

The government has also created an E-Timber Portal. How is it working?

The E-Timber Portal is undoubtedly a good initiative by the government. Both sellers and buyers can utilize the portal to trade wood. However, there is still a market fee involved in it. We have suggested the government that the market fee should be abolished from the portal system to make it more useful. The government has accepted our suggestion, and a draft to remove the market fee from the portal is ready. It will be implemented soon.

Won’t the government will loose revenue?

Currently, the government earns revenue of 20 lakhs on an average from the market fees. This amount is insignificant in their overall revenue. After these changes, the government will experience a significant increase in revenue. Therefore, the government will not incur any losses; instead, it will benefit a lot.

What about saplings?

The Punjab government has entered into an agreement with ITC with our support for the development of excellent quality saplings in the nursery. A nursery will be prepared for one crore saplings. Some of large companies are also ready to share burden under corporate social responsibility for distributing saplings to farmers at rupees two per sapling.