UP timber industry to see increased sale of wood outside forests with new furniture hub in NCR

The concept of 'grow more, use more' is being adopted by the Uttar Pradesh Forest department to bolster the wood industry and promote environmental sustainability. This will be pushed forward through setting up a 'furniture hub' in the NCR region on a two-acre fertile land. This hub will grow Eucalyptus, Sheesham, Teak, Bamboo trees, among others.

The purpose is to move timber across India, start its production outside the forests' premises through employing more farmers, and certifying the wood as non-forest products. All in all, the entire move will aid in the sale of wood across the country and the world.

A surge in employment opportunities is also predicted if the initiative is implemented well. "There is no legal framework with Bamboo-based industry. Our aim is to increase income and generate jobs without disturbing the environment," Principal Chief Conservator of Forest head of forest force, Mamata Sanjeev Dubey, stated.

At the same time, this will attract all the more investors to the ecosystem of bamboo and help the UP timber industry further. "Now there will be no issue in giving new licenses. Investors can work in different segments of bamboo, certified timber, wood-based industry, ecotourism and even develop 5-star hotels in Amangarh and Ranipur tiger reserves," Manoj Singh, additional chief secretary, pitched in.

"Wood is good, we can grow more and use more," opined another official.