India is targeting a forest cover of 33% of its land area by 2020, a 10% increase from the current coverage, according to the latest market report of the International Tropical Timber Organisation.
The country is establishing plantations of poplar, eucalyptus, casuarinas, semul, gmelina and other species in order to improve raw material supply to the forest product industries.
Existing plantations of eugenia, mimusops, subabul, sisoo, neem and acacia provide timber for the construction and furniture industries.
The government also sees afforestation, as well as better soil and water conservation, as resulting in less migration to cities, improved livelihoods and expansion of agriculture.
