APRIL 13: In a significant initiative to enhance forest resource assessment and sustainable management, the Jammu and Kashmir Forest Department today hosted a two-day training workshop on National Forest Inventory (NFI) and Continuous Forest Inventory (CFI) for field functionaries from the Forest Divisions of the Jammu region.
The workshop, held at a prominent venue in Jammu, was graced by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests & Head of Forest Force (PCCF & HoFF) Suresh Kumar Gupta as the Chief Guest. The event was also attended by CEO CAMPA T. Rabi Kumar, Nodal Officer FCA Dr. K. Anandh, Chief Conservator of Forests, Jammu Dr. M.K. Kumar, and several other senior forest officials. Their presence underscored the importance of the event for forest resource management in the region.
The two-day workshop aimed to build the capacity of forest officials and introduced them to the latest techniques in forest inventory, focusing on methodologies for the National Forest Inventory (NFI) and Continuous Forest Inventory (CFI). The first day of the workshop featured presentations by two technical experts from the Forest Survey of India (FSI), Regional Office Northern Zone, Shimla. The experts provided in-depth training on the principles of forest inventory, data collection standards, and the critical role of NFI and CFI in scientific forestry.
On the second day, the focus shifted to hands-on, field-based training on the practical aspects of forest inventory. The participants learned how to lay out sample plots, a vital component of forest monitoring, resource estimation, and long-term forest sustainability.
A key point discussed during the workshop was the integral role that NFI and CFI play in compiling the India State of Forest Report (ISFR), as well as the preparation of Working Plans that guide forest management and policy-making. These tools are crucial for developing accurate assessments of forest resources, which in turn inform both local and national forest policy.
The workshop witnessed the active participation of 70 officers of various ranks from the Forest Department, representing all 18 territorial divisions of Jammu region. This initiative has been instrumental in strengthening the skills and knowledge of field staff, equipping them with modern tools and methodologies for conducting forest inventories and improving forest management practices.
Notably, Jammu and Kashmir stands as a pioneer in undertaking forest inventory exercises independently, without relying on the Forest Survey of India (FSI), setting a benchmark for other states. This initiative reflects the Jammu and Kashmir Forest Department’s commitment to data-driven, sustainable forest management aimed at preserving the region’s ecological wealth.