Although the district has large potential for social and natural forestry, the forest grown is very limited and neglected. Before the digging of the canals the area was a dry plain with huge bushy terrain. After the establishment of the irrigation schemes people are less inclined to grow forest. State forests are non-existing. Most trees are found along the road and canal side.

There is no commercial forestry from either government side or private enterprise. However, the area has potential for commercial forestry as it can grow bamboo, "Tali" Kikar and eucalyptus. The eucalyptus and kikar are already grown along the highway.

 The major vegetation in the area, outside the agricultural area, is classified into forest area which comprises block plantation, canal side plantation, road side plantation and farm forestry. Tree species include Eucalyptus, Acacia, Dalbergia, Zizyphis, Albizzia, Azadricha, Sesbania spp: Alkagae Camalerum, Kikar (acadia Arabica), Kandi, Tamarix and Tali are rare. The growth of Meskat is common in the canal area that is affected by water logging and salinity.

Tree cutting / marketing / processing is in the hands of the private sector. According to Forestry Department sources, the government auctioning of forest trees is done through private contractors, specially in the case of widening of the canals. Illegal cutting is common in rural areas. It mostly includes small trees and bushes for household consumption and fuel.

The Department at the district level is under a Divisional Forest Officer at Dera Allah Yar. Under him are 3 range officers, 2 foresters, 20 forest guards, gardeners, watchmen and clerical staff. In addition, there are three game watchers. The Deputy Director Forestry resides at Dera Murad Jamali.

The wildlife in the area includes migratory and non-migratory species. The migratory birds include seasonal ducks and houbara bastards. In mustard seeds season, wild pigeons are common. The non-migratory birds include brown partridges. They were common in the area, but their number has reduced over the years. This is caused by excessive shooting, poaching, and netting by professional shooters / hunters. The netting and poaching of birds is common. Quails migrate in the beginning of winter till the end of summer. Ducks are common in marsh area around the canal command area. The three game watchers are responsible for the preservation of wild-life. However, wild-life is diminishing.

Bee-keeping is an uncommon feature in the district. Honey is secured from natural sources of honey hives. The area has potential for bee-keeping as there are plenty of vegetation and agricultural crops, but no interest is shown by landowners for bee-keeping.

The district has a potential for forestry because of the availability of water, fertile soils, and a conducive environment for the growth of social forestry. The potential for social forestry is ample but little interest is shown by the landowners. Under the USAID funded project for social forestry (1986 to 1994), incentives were given to the farmers for the cultivation of trees. The project provided trees at a cost of Rs. 1.25 per plant to the farmers/growers, but the overall development was below expectation.

The district has a limited forestry sector which is located along the highway and canal side. There is no forest / state forest. The landowners/lords are not interested in promotion of forest as private enterprise. The growth of "Meskat" is common in the waterlogged area near the canal. Tamarix and conocorus can be grown in waterlogged areas. The natural forest in the command area of the canal is reduced as the land is cultivated for rice and wheat. Trees and bushes are cut by people for fuel consumption. There is an illegal occupation of the forest area by landlords, which the Forest Department has failed to prevent.

The growth of the population, together with the widening of canals and their branches has eroded the natural forests and with it the possibilities for forestry.

Back to Jaffarabad