Demand-supply management of forest based cellulosic raw materials for the paper industry in India

Abstract

The study focuses on bamboo and hardwoods which are the most important cellulosic raw materials for the paper and paperboards industry in India. There are perceptions of acute scarcities of these goods caused by rapid growth of the industry, competing demands, spurt of through regarding conflicts between environmental quality and production of tangible goods, inadequate management of natural wealth in the form of forest land, etc. Feasibilities of a few conventional and unconventional measures to enhance the productivity of common property wastelands in and outside the regular forest areas have been assessed. These include provision of additional approach roads and bridges, reduction of waste in harvesting, marginal technological changes such as use of portable mini chippers, improved silvicultural and biological management of natural forest areas, broader interpretation of the term plantations to able to harness the established root stock of hardy tree species, etc.