To make the most of the forest resources and improve growth of trees, the ministry of energy and natural resources initiated thinning of forest as a pilot project last year. Through this initiative, the ministry allows extraction and export of timber. During the Meet the Press session, Energy and Natural Resources minister Gem Tshering said the ministry targets to export 10.7 million cubic feet of timber this year.
For the pilot project, the ministry targeted to extract 0.315 million cubic feet of timbers. However, the ministry couldn’t meet this target due to several challenges.
In forest thinning, some trees are removed to enhance the growth of the remaining trees by reducing competition among them.
“After felling trees, our only option for export is India. We proposed exporting 22 types of trees, but we had approval for only four species. This year, after discussions with the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Employment, we could get approval for four additional species. Initially, we faced restrictions, and on top of that, we need to have our trees certified as disease-free from the pest control in Jaigaon, India, since we don’t have it in our country.”
He added the Natural Resources Development Corporation Limited, NRDCL harvested approximately 145,000 cubic feet of timber, generating around Nu 41 M.
In addition, the Bhutan Board Products Limited (BBPL) harvested 12,000 cubic feet earning about Nu 4.3 M
The minister said, apart from NRDCL and BBPL, Bhutanese, especially those running sawmills and able to procure cranes can take part in the thinning process.
Pema Tshomo
Edited by Phub Gyem
