Question

Social Forestry in India was first emphasized in the report of

• A. National Commission on Agriculture, 1976
• B. National Forest Policy, 1988
• C. National Forest Policy, 1894
• D. National Forest policy, 1952

Hint:

Think of NCA 1976 as the "Birthplace" of Social Forestry. It aimed to take the forest to the people, rather than bringing people to the forest.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question asks for the specific policy document that officially defined and launched the "Social Forestry" movement in India.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:

• Background: Before the 1970s, forestry in India was primarily "Production Forestry" centered on timber extraction from state-owned reserve forests.

• Turning Point: The National Commission on Agriculture (NCA), in its 1976 interim report, recognized that government forests could not meet the rising local demands for fuelwood and fodder.

• Introduction of Term: The report emphasized "Social Forestry"—growing trees outside the traditional forest boundaries to meet the needs of the rural people and reduce pressure on the Reserve Forests.

• Classification: The NCA divided Social Forestry into three components: Farm Forestry, Extension Forestry, and Community Forestry (including Strip plantations).

• Policy impact: This report shifted the focus from state-centric forestry to people-oriented forestry, which was later codified in the National Forest Policy of 1988.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Social Forestry was first emphasized in the report of the National Commission on Agriculture, 1976.