Need to take up afforestation in Mandya

Forest industries corp to develop 1,000 acres in each taluk

Karnataka State Forest Industries Corporation Ltd president M B Devaiah said there is a need to take up afforestation programmes in Mandya.

“Along with growing paddy, sugarcane, there is a need to grow forest, in Mandya region,” he said.

Speaking to presspersons here on Saturday, he said all the taluks have at least 1,000 acres of barren land. The corporation will chalk out a plan to take up afforestation programmes on barren lands.

The corporation has 156 employees. Firewood depots are functioning at Sirsi, Shimoga, Dharwad, Dandeli, Mangalore, Mysore and Bangalore, he said.

“Tribals will be allowed to collect forest produce and sell them for a living,” he said, in reply to a question.