Institutional strategies for rural development through community forestry

The merits and demerits of different organisations/institutions (State Forest Departments, NGOs, Tree Growers Societies, Local Bodies) involved in forestry in India are discussed. Some of the successful forestry institutions working in other parts of the world are also noted (China, Korea Republic, Philippines, Nepal, and Gujarat, India). A broad model of a workable local institution is suggested for India. The most appropriate local institutions for sustainable forestry development in India are considered in the light of complex issues of forestry development at the centre of integrated rural development.