Forests in India: Role, Status & Exam Insights

1. The Productive Role of Forests

Forests are immense natural factories, contributing significantly to the economy and providing essential resources for human life. Their productive functions are diverse, ranging from food and fuel to industrial raw materials. Globally, forests contribute about 1% of the world’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), a figure that underscores their economic importance, especially in developing nations like India.

A. Food from Forests

Often overlooked, forests are a direct source of nutrition for millions. Various parts of trees and plants are harvested for consumption:

• Rhizomes: Underground stems like Amorphophallus campanulatus (Jimikand) and Cyperus rotundus.
• Roots & Aerial Parts: Edible roots from plants like Dioscorea (Yam) and the highly nutritious leaves and pods of Moringa oleifera (Drumstick Tree).
• Leaves & Stems: Leaves of Tamarindus indica (Tamarind) are used in culinary preparations, while the young stems of Dendrocalamus strictus (Bamboo) are a delicacy.
• Fruits & Nuts: Forests provide a bounty of fruits such as Aegle marmelos (Bael) and Anacardium occidentale (Cashew).

B. Fuel, Shelter, and Clothing

Beyond food, forests fulfill our most basic needs:

• Fuelwood: A primary energy source for a vast rural population, with species like Acacia spp., Casuarina equisetifolia, and Prosopis juliflora being crucial.
• Shelter Wood: Timber from trees like Palmyra, Teak, and Jackfruit is traditionally used for constructing homes and shelters.
• Clothing: The cellulose from trees like Eucalyptus spp. is a key component in producing rayon fabric.

C. Timber and Industrial Wood

The commercial value of forests is immense, providing raw materials for numerous industries:

• Timber: High-value timber from trees like Teak (Tectona grandis), Sal (Shorea robusta), Deodar, and Rosewood is fundamental for furniture and construction.
• Paper & Pulp: Bamboo, Eucalyptus, and Casuarina are the backbone of India’s paper industry.
• Plywood: Species like Teak, Rosewood, and Terminalia are used for manufacturing plywood. (IBPS AFO 2018)
• Specialty Wood: Woods like Ailanthus are used for matchsticks, while Red Sanders and Rosewood are prized for making toys and handicrafts.

D. Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFP)

NTFPs are vital for local economies and industries, representing a massive source of income and utility.

• Fibres and Flosses: Bast fibres are used for ropes, while floss from Ceiba pentandra (Kapok tree) is used for stuffing. (IBPS AFO 2022)
• Oils, Gums, and Resins: Essential oils are extracted from Eucalyptus and Lemongrass. Gums are collected from Sterculia urens (Karaya gum), and resin is tapped from Pinus roxburghii (Chir Pine).
• Medicinal Plants: Forests are a repository of medicinal herbs like Rauvolfia serpentina and Dioscorea spp..
• Other Products: Tendu leaves for bidis, mulberry leaves for sericulture, honey, lac (from insects on trees like Butea monosperma), and fodder are other crucial NTFPs.

2. The Protective Role of Forests

The protective or ecological functions of forests are arguably more critical than their productive roles. They are the silent guardians of our environment, maintaining the delicate balance of ecosystems.

• Climate Amelioration: Forests act as massive carbon sinks, absorbing CO2 and mitigating the greenhouse effect. The Amazon rainforests are famously called the “lungs of the Earth” for this reason. They also influence local weather patterns, increasing humidity and rainfall.
• Soil and Water Conservation: The dense canopy of trees intercepts rainfall, reducing its erosive force. The intricate root systems bind the soil, preventing erosion by wind and water, thus preserving soil fertility and preventing desertification.
• Wildlife Habitats: Forests are the primary habitat for a vast majority of the world’s terrestrial biodiversity. They provide food, shelter, and breeding grounds for countless species of animals, birds, and insects, helping to maintain the food web.

3. Current Status of Forests in India

India is one of the world’s 12 megadiversity countries, boasting 7% of global biodiversity. The government has made significant policy efforts to conserve and expand this natural heritage.

According to the India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2021, published by the Forest Survey of India (FSI), the total forest and tree cover of the country is 80.9 million hectares, which is 24.62% of the geographical area. The forest cover alone is 71.37 million ha, constituting 21.71% of the total area.

Key Statistics & Exam Facts:

• States with Highest Forest Cover (by area): Madhya Pradesh > Arunachal Pradesh > Chhattisgarh. (IBPS AFO 2017, 2020)
• States with Highest Forest Cover (by percentage of area): Mizoram (84.53%) > Arunachal Pradesh (79.33%) > Meghalaya (76.00%). (IBPS AFO 2017)
• Historically, the 1997 FSI report indicated an actual forest cover of 19.27%, highlighting the gradual increase over the decades due to conservation efforts. (IBPS AFO 2018)

4. Previous Year Questions (PYQs) Insights

Analyzing questions from previous exams reveals high-priority topics. As seen referenced throughout this article (e.g., IBPS AFO 2017, 2018, 2020, 2022), questions frequently target:

• Specific uses of timber (e.g., for plywood).
• Sources of important NTFPs (e.g., flosses from Kapok).
• Rankings of states by forest cover (both area and percentage).
• Key figures from historical and current Forest Survey of India reports.

This pattern emphasizes the need to memorize key facts, figures, and rankings from the latest ISFR report to score well in competitive exams.