1. 1 Land evaluation on Metema Quara Study area Framework of the study document -Introduction -Introduction -Description of the project area -Description of the project area-Objectives-Methods -Major land uses -Major land uses - Results of suitability assessment - Results of suitability assessment -Recommendations -Recommendations

2. 21.INTRODUCTION LE-- process of assessing land performance under specified kinds of land use LE-- process of assessing land performance under specified kinds of land use It consists of comparison between land and land use/ i.e. characteristics and requirements / It consists of comparison between land and land use/ i.e. characteristics and requirements / Comparison is a basic ground for predicting the consequences of applying different land uses and land units. Comparison is a basic ground for predicting the consequences of applying different land uses and land units. Decisions on land use have always been part of the development of human society/knowingly or unknowingly/ Decisions on land use have always been part of the development of human society/knowingly or unknowingly/ Clearing forest land and changing to agricultural use was one of the earliest decisions on land use. Clearing forest land and changing to agricultural use was one of the earliest decisions on land use. Such decisions continued today hence, growing populations require more land for food production. Such decisions continued today hence, growing populations require more land for food production.

3. 3Continued Increasing demands for various uses have led to land use changes/crop production, livestock grazing, forest land, settlement/ Increasing demands for various uses have led to land use changes/crop production, livestock grazing, forest land, settlement/ Competition for land for different kinds of land use has led to the creation of a new approach known as LE Competition for land for different kinds of land use has led to the creation of a new approach known as LE LE brings together the right kinds of land with the right kinds of land uses LE brings together the right kinds of land with the right kinds of land uses Therefore, this report deals with the land evaluation; methodology employed, the analysis applied, and the results obtained. Therefore, this report deals with the land evaluation; methodology employed, the analysis applied, and the results obtained.

4. 4 2.Description of the project area 2.1 Location 2.1 Location The study area-Situated in Metema-Quara woreda, North Gonder administrative zone The study area-Situated in Metema-Quara woreda, North Gonder administrative zone -Geographically it extends from 12 0 15’ to12 0 45’N Latitude and from 35 o 30’ to 36 o 15’E Longitude -Geographically it extends from 12 0 15’ to12 0 45’N Latitude and from 35 o 30’ to 36 o 15’E Longitude -It covers a total area of about 256056 ha -Its population is about 18710 -It covers a total area of about 256056 ha -Its population is about 18710 2.2 Land resources 2.2 Land resources -Suitability of land resources for agriculture is determined by terrain, soil and agro-climatic characteristics -Suitability of land resources for agriculture is determined by terrain, soil and agro-climatic characteristics -These characteristics in their turn determine the growing condition of crops, ranges and trees. -These characteristics in their turn determine the growing condition of crops, ranges and trees. -Management and conservation measures are also determined by terrain, soil and agro-climatic characteristics. -Management and conservation measures are also determined by terrain, soil and agro-climatic characteristics.

5. 5continued 2.2.1 physiography and soils 2.2.1 physiography and soils Physography -Physiographic units don’t show wide variations in physical features Physography -Physiographic units don’t show wide variations in physical features -Land forms encompassed are: -Land forms encompassed are: -Plain land-268901.94 ha(68.98%) including undulating and rolling plains -Plain land-268901.94 ha(68.98%) including undulating and rolling plains - Mountains,Hills-101444.4ha(39.62%) including valley side slops - Mountains,Hills-101444.4ha(39.62%) including valley side slops - Different degraded land forms-19494.68(7.61%)- plains, Hills and mountains - Different degraded land forms-19494.68(7.61%)- plains, Hills and mountains

6. 6continued Soils- Have strong interrelation with the topography of the area Soils- Have strong interrelation with the topography of the area The soil types identified in the study area are; The soil types identified in the study area are; Vertisols-occur dominantly in plain lands Vertisols-occur dominantly in plain lands - Highly productive under proper management - Highly productive under proper management -It covers about 149360.65ha (58.33 %) -It covers about 149360.65ha (58.33 %) Regosols- Occur in all land forms of the study area Regosols- Occur in all land forms of the study area -Shallow in depth -Shallow in depth -IT covers about 40647.98ha(15.87%) -IT covers about 40647.98ha(15.87%) Leptosols-found on hill and mountain land forms Leptosols-found on hill and mountain land forms -It covers about 64388.25ha(25.15%) -It covers about 64388.25ha(25.15%) Cambisols-Occupy a small area, which is 1403.90ha(0.15%) Cambisols-Occupy a small area, which is 1403.90ha(0.15%) - Particularly found in plateau lands - Particularly found in plateau lands

7. 7continued 2.2.2 Climate 2.2.2 Climate Rainfall and temperature are the considered climatic factors Rainfall and temperature are the considered climatic factors Rainfall of the study area is unimodal Rainfall of the study area is unimodal Mean annual rainfall is about 700-1200mm Mean annual rainfall is about 700-1200mm Rainy months are June, July August and September Rainy months are June, July August and September Mean annual temperature is about 20 0 -30 0 c Mean annual temperature is about 20 0 -30 0 c It is favorable for most of the crops growing in low lands It is favorable for most of the crops growing in low lands

8. 8 continued 2.2.3 present land use and natural vegetation Present LU is characterized by low input and owned by small holders Present LU is characterized by low input and owned by small holders It is also characterized by large holders It is also characterized by large holders Agricultural production is mostly based on rainfed agriculture Agricultural production is mostly based on rainfed agriculture There are also localized irrigated crops/especially fruits/ There are also localized irrigated crops/especially fruits/ The two major market oriented crops are sesame and cotton The two major market oriented crops are sesame and cotton neither fertilizer nor manure is applied to farm fields neither fertilizer nor manure is applied to farm fields natural vegetation cover on farm lands is cleared out mainly by fire burning natural vegetation cover on farm lands is cleared out mainly by fire burning structure of the soil is damaged and its fertility is declining structure of the soil is damaged and its fertility is declining natural forest destruction and fire burning damage are the observed phenomena in the study area natural forest destruction and fire burning damage are the observed phenomena in the study area

9. 9continued 2.2.4 Livestock 59.82% of the study area is used for extensive grazing and browsing 59.82% of the study area is used for extensive grazing and browsing there is a considerable number of livestock which is 23521.44TLU/km 2 there is a considerable number of livestock which is 23521.44TLU/km 2 the need for draught power and social prestige is the main reasons for having high number of livestock the need for draught power and social prestige is the main reasons for having high number of livestock feed sources are adequate compared to the number of livestock feed sources are adequate compared to the number of livestock on the contrary poor management of feed sources resulted in un palatable and deficit of forage in dry seasons on the contrary poor management of feed sources resulted in un palatable and deficit of forage in dry seasons

10. 10continued 2.2.5 Infrastructure 2.2.5 Infrastructure Some kebeles are connected by poorly maintained dry weather road Some kebeles are connected by poorly maintained dry weather road The only all weather road is stretched from Azezo to Metema Yohannes The only all weather road is stretched from Azezo to Metema Yohannes Rural marketes are available within the study area Rural marketes are available within the study area The price is not as such encouraging in these rural markets The price is not as such encouraging in these rural markets Gondar, which is the potential market which is found at a distance of 185km from Metema Gondar, which is the potential market which is found at a distance of 185km from Metema Human health clinics are found in shihedy,Gelego and in some other rural towns Human health clinics are found in shihedy,Gelego and in some other rural towns

11. 11continued A referral hospital is found in shihedy town A referral hospital is found in shihedy town Although there are different human diseases, malaria is the most common one Although there are different human diseases, malaria is the most common one Animal health clinics are very few in number and mainly found in woreda Animal health clinics are very few in number and mainly found in woreda There are about 8 elementary and 1 high school There are about 8 elementary and 1 high school There is only one senior high school which is found in shihedy There is only one senior high school which is found in shihedy Some satellite schools are found in some villages Some satellite schools are found in some villages Access to safe drinking water is very limited Access to safe drinking water is very limited

12. 12 3.Objectives of the study Identifying suitable crops to the area Identifying suitable crops to the area Identifying land suitable for arable cropping, Identifying land suitable for arable cropping, livestock grazing and forestry livestock grazing and forestry Producing suitability maps for the land use types considered Producing suitability maps for the land use types considered Forward recommendations based on suitability assessment Forward recommendations based on suitability assessment

13. 134.Methods 4.1 General The study follows the methodology set out in FAO frame work for LE The study follows the methodology set out in FAO frame work for LE The procedures are employed in land resources survey at field level The procedures are employed in land resources survey at field level Informant farmers were participated in identifying present land uses, land use types and agronomic practices Informant farmers were participated in identifying present land uses, land use types and agronomic practices Systematic comparison of LUQ with the properties of land units is fundamental to land evaluation and arrive at land suitability classification Systematic comparison of LUQ with the properties of land units is fundamental to land evaluation and arrive at land suitability classification The steps followed in carrying out matching were; The steps followed in carrying out matching were; Describe land use types Describe land use types Determine requirements for each LUTs Determine requirements for each LUTs Map and describe the land resources base Map and describe the land resources base

14. 14continued 4.2 Land use type selection 4.2 Land use type selection Selection of major crops grown and newly introduced crops through discussion Selection of major crops grown and newly introduced crops through discussion The major crops are largely used as food and export earnings The major crops are largely used as food and export earnings The newly introduced crops are proved to be highly potential and suitable for the area The newly introduced crops are proved to be highly potential and suitable for the area While selecting crops the following conditions were considered; While selecting crops the following conditions were considered; Its importance in the livelihood of the population Its importance in the livelihood of the population Role of newly introduced crops in improving the farming technology or not Role of newly introduced crops in improving the farming technology or not Its role in creating marketing opportunity and food security Its role in creating marketing opportunity and food security

15. 15continued 4.3 Land use requirements Lu requirements of MLU and LUTs consider physical conditions of the study area (land forms, soils,climate) Lu requirements of MLU and LUTs consider physical conditions of the study area (land forms, soils,climate) MLU are rainfed crop production, forestry and livestock grazing MLU are rainfed crop production, forestry and livestock grazing They are identified and determined based on primary and secondary data They are identified and determined based on primary and secondary data 4.4 Land units Defined in terms of land qualities and land characteristics Defined in terms of land qualities and land characteristics It is assumed to be an area with homogeneous characteristics It is assumed to be an area with homogeneous characteristics Physiographic units surveyed and mapped have been used as land units Physiographic units surveyed and mapped have been used as land units

16. 16continued 4.5 Matching land use with land A process of looking in to possible adaptation of LUTs and possible improvements of the existing land qualities A process of looking in to possible adaptation of LUTs and possible improvements of the existing land qualities Land use requirements and land characteristics defined Land use requirements and land characteristics defined They are competed to see whether the land is suitable for a specific use or not They are competed to see whether the land is suitable for a specific use or not A suitability rating(s1, s2, s3, s, N) is assigned A suitability rating(s1, s2, s3, s, N) is assigned The least suitability rating is taken as an overall rating The least suitability rating is taken as an overall rating

17. 17continued 5.Major Land Use types The determination of MLU is directly related to the physical suitability of the land The determination of MLU is directly related to the physical suitability of the land The considered MLU are three (Rain fed, Forestry& Livestock grazing) The considered MLU are three (Rain fed, Forestry& Livestock grazing) 5.1 Rainfed crop production 5.1 Rainfed crop production Characterized by medium to high capital Characterized by medium to high capital Characterized by medium to high labor Characterized by medium to high labor Characterized by medium to high non-mechanized Characterized by medium to high non-mechanized The sizes of the farm field is not that much small The sizes of the farm field is not that much small Major traction power are oxen Major traction power are oxen Better of farmers use tractors for plowing and Better of farmers use tractors for plowing and Such land users largely focus on market- oriented farming with some food crops for home consumption Such land users largely focus on market- oriented farming with some food crops for home consumption

18. 18continued 5.2 Natural vegetation 5.2 Natural vegetation Formation and distribution of natural vegetation largely influenced by different environmental factors( temp., RF, Land forms and soils) Formation and distribution of natural vegetation largely influenced by different environmental factors( temp., RF, Land forms and soils) The major plant species abundantly found are wood land forest, low land bamboo The major plant species abundantly found are wood land forest, low land bamboo The Natural forests mostly serve as wild life sanctuary The Natural forests mostly serve as wild life sanctuary Natural forests mainly provide fuel and Construction wood Natural forests mainly provide fuel and Construction wood It is also a source of non wood products(incense),but It is also a source of non wood products(incense),but Incense has reached at critical stages of destruction Incense has reached at critical stages of destruction

19. 19continued 5.3 Livestock Grazing One of the major land use types in the study area One of the major land use types in the study area It has a significant role in the economy of the rural population It has a significant role in the economy of the rural population It is the major feeding method It is the major feeding method Large parts of the study area are used for extensive grazing /browsing Large parts of the study area are used for extensive grazing /browsing The feed sources comprise of natural pastures, crop residues and aftermath The feed sources comprise of natural pastures, crop residues and aftermath The feed resources are mis- utilized(fragile natural resources) The feed resources are mis- utilized(fragile natural resources)

20. 20 6.Results of Suitability assessment 6.1 General 6.1 General Areas suitable for twelve LUTs under rainfed agriculture are discussed Areas suitable for twelve LUTs under rainfed agriculture are discussed Low input level is the one considered for rainfed agriculture Low input level is the one considered for rainfed agriculture The suitability assessment is carried out for: The suitability assessment is carried out for: Existing LUTs,and Existing LUTs,and Newly introduced to the area Newly introduced to the area

21. 21Continued 6.2 Climatic suitability Parts of the land suitability assessment Parts of the land suitability assessment It reflects the climate to support plant growth It reflects the climate to support plant growth Temperature and rainfall are the two land qualities considered Temperature and rainfall are the two land qualities considered The suitability assessment results don’t reflect considerable differences in growing conditions for most of the selected crops The suitability assessment results don’t reflect considerable differences in growing conditions for most of the selected crops The major climatic limitations are high temperature and excess rainfall The major climatic limitations are high temperature and excess rainfall Suitability assessment of climate shows that the area is highly suitable for livestock. Suitability assessment of climate shows that the area is highly suitable for livestock.

22. 22Continued 6.3 Soil Suitability Soil suitability assessment shows that soil parameters are matched with crop requirements Soil suitability assessment shows that soil parameters are matched with crop requirements The assessment result shows that 28.15% of the study area is suitable for rainfed crops The assessment result shows that 28.15% of the study area is suitable for rainfed crops Nearly 6.87% of the study area is classified as highly suitable Nearly 6.87% of the study area is classified as highly suitable Nearly 8.53% of the study area is classified as moderately suitable Nearly 8.53% of the study area is classified as moderately suitable Almost 12.75% of the study area is classified as marginally suitable Almost 12.75% of the study area is classified as marginally suitable The limiting factors are soil depth, terrain, water logging and drainage problem, of which water logging is the major one. The limiting factors are soil depth, terrain, water logging and drainage problem, of which water logging is the major one.

23. 23Continued 6.4.1. Rainfed crop production A land area of 88275.15 ha(34.47%) is highly suitable(S1) A land area of 88275.15 ha(34.47%) is highly suitable(S1) A land area of 23015.10 ha (9.0%) is moderately suitable(S2) A land area of 23015.10 ha (9.0%) is moderately suitable(S2) A land area of 51217.34 ha (20.0%) is marginally suitable(S3) A land area of 51217.34 ha (20.0%) is marginally suitable(S3) The remaining 93293.19ha (36.53%) is not suitable for crop production The remaining 93293.19ha (36.53%) is not suitable for crop production 6.4.2. Livestock production Out of the total study area: Out of the total study area: 23428.46ha (9.15%) is highly suitable (S1) 23428.46ha (9.15%) is highly suitable (S1) 64315.29ha (25.12%) is moderately suitable (S2) 64315.29ha (25.12%) is moderately suitable (S2) 83568.01ha (32.64%) is marginally suitable(S3) 83568.01ha (32.64%) is marginally suitable(S3) The remaining 84233.31ha (32.90%) of the area is unsuitable for livestock grazing The remaining 84233.31ha (32.90%) of the area is unsuitable for livestock grazing

24. 24continued 6.4. Land suitability assessment Land suitability is the combination of climatic and soil suitability Land suitability is the combination of climatic and soil suitability It enables to estimate the potential of land for a particular land use type It enables to estimate the potential of land for a particular land use type Suitability classification indicates the major limiting factors on moderately,marginally and not suitable lands Suitability classification indicates the major limiting factors on moderately,marginally and not suitable lands The remaining 71.85% of the area is un suitable for rainfed crop production The remaining 71.85% of the area is un suitable for rainfed crop production Land suitability maps represent the spatial distribution of the suitability of the land Land suitability maps represent the spatial distribution of the suitability of the land

25. 25Continued 6.4.3. Natural vegetation cover 90277.68ha (35.26%) is suitable and, the remaining 165778.63ha (64.74%) is non-suitable for natural vegetation cover 90277.68ha (35.26%) is suitable and, the remaining 165778.63ha (64.74%) is non-suitable for natural vegetation cover 6.5.Crops Selected for the Suitability Assessment The LUTs considered in the suitability assessment are: The LUTs considered in the suitability assessment are: Cereals (sorghum, maize, rice) Cereals (sorghum, maize, rice) Oil crops (sesame, soybean) Oil crops (sesame, soybean) Fiber crops (cotton, kenaf) Fiber crops (cotton, kenaf) Horticultural crops (chilli pepper, tomato) Horticultural crops (chilli pepper, tomato) Pulse (cowpea) Pulse (cowpea) Root crops (sweet potato, cassava) Root crops (sweet potato, cassava)

26. 26Continued Spatial difference in land suitability is identified in the suitability assessment. Spatial difference in land suitability is identified in the suitability assessment. The difference is due to the variations in soil conditions and landforms required by the crops The difference is due to the variations in soil conditions and landforms required by the crops Differences due to thermal conditions have less influence on the variation of the land suitability. Differences due to thermal conditions have less influence on the variation of the land suitability.

27. 27 6.6.Results of crop suitability assessment for rainfed agriculture/MQ/ Crop types LUTs Suitability Rating S1S2S3N Ha% % % % Cereals sorghum21089.818.2451217.3420183493.6471.66 Maize7537.352.9451217.3420183 Rice88275.1534.4823015.18.44183493.6471.66 Oil crops sesame13552.455.297537.35 2.9 4 234910.4991.08 soybean1066.32.4233355.4918.32207826.5181.16

28. 28Continued Crop typesLUTsSuitability Rating S1S2S3N Ha% % % % Fiber cropscotton6342.412.4814701.475.7436640.9214.31198115.9877.37 kenaf13552.455.291709.39.67204538.9393.94 Horticultural crops Chilli pepper 21089.818.24234710.97 Tomato56.0221033.88.2251217.3420183493.6471.66

29. 29Continued Crop typesLUTsSuitability Rating S1S2S3N Ha% % % % pulsescowpea13552.455.297537.352.9451217.3420183493.6471.66 Root cropsSweet potato 13552.455.297537..352.9449203.3819.22185502.672.45 Cassava56.000.0221033.808.22--234710.9491.00

30. 30Continued 6.7 Land suitability for natural Vegetation Suitability classification is carried out at an order level, i.e., suitable(S) and not suitable(N) Suitability classification is carried out at an order level, i.e., suitable(S) and not suitable(N) The result will help to optimize forest resources utilization The result will help to optimize forest resources utilization Tree species considered are belonging to the area/for genetic conservation/ Tree species considered are belonging to the area/for genetic conservation/ 90277.68ha(35.29%) suitable and 165778.63ha(64.74%) 90277.68ha(35.29%) suitable and 165778.63ha(64.74%)

31. 31Continued 6.8 Land suitability for Livestock grazing 6.8 Land suitability for Livestock grazing Evaluated in terms of feed sources Evaluated in terms of feed sources Climatic, soil and Physical characteristics are considered Climatic, soil and Physical characteristics are considered Grazing areas and drinking water are reliable Grazing areas and drinking water are reliable Agro climatic environment is conductive(particularly for cattle) Agro climatic environment is conductive(particularly for cattle) 153192.42ha(59.83%) suitable and 102863.89ha(40.17%) not suitable 153192.42ha(59.83%) suitable and 102863.89ha(40.17%) not suitable Land units suitable for rainfed agriculture are also suitable for grazing Land units suitable for rainfed agriculture are also suitable for grazing Although the area is located in lower” kola” agro-climatic zone “Testesfly” is not identified as a constraint in the area Although the area is located in lower” kola” agro-climatic zone “Testesfly” is not identified as a constraint in the area

32. 32 7.Summary of Recommendations Total study area covers about 256056ha Total study area covers about 256056ha It comprises of plains hills and mountain land forms It comprises of plains hills and mountain land forms Located in metema-Quara woredas(North Gondar Adm. Zone) Located in metema-Quara woredas(North Gondar Adm. Zone) It is characterized by- Market oriented farming It is characterized by- Market oriented farming high livestock population with extensive grazing high livestock population with extensive grazing It is also a high potential area for agriculture ( crop production ) It is also a high potential area for agriculture ( crop production )

33. 33Continued The main objective of the study is; The main objective of the study is; Identifying the constraints for development, and Identifying the constraints for development, and Proposing development options Proposing development options Suitability assessment shows that the area has a significant natural resources potentials for agricultural production Suitability assessment shows that the area has a significant natural resources potentials for agricultural production It is more suitable for livestock production It is more suitable for livestock production In most cases the limitations identified are temporary In most cases the limitations identified are temporary Thus they can be alleviated by applying improved and appropriate technologies Thus they can be alleviated by applying improved and appropriate technologies

34. 34Continued (water logging problem is identified as a major problem on plain lands) problem on plain lands) Extending agriculture farming in to ecologically fragile areas will damage non renewable natural resources Extending agriculture farming in to ecologically fragile areas will damage non renewable natural resources Sustainable development should provide a focus on protecting and managing the fragile natural resources Sustainable development should provide a focus on protecting and managing the fragile natural resources crop production should concentrate on those areas identified as highly and moderately suitable crop production should concentrate on those areas identified as highly and moderately suitable

35. 35Continued Concentrating development efforts on highly potential areas for agricultural production would alleviate pressure on ecologically sensitive parts of the the study areas Concentrating development efforts on highly potential areas for agricultural production would alleviate pressure on ecologically sensitive parts of the the study areas Raising low input level to intermediate level will result in high level of agricultural production Raising low input level to intermediate level will result in high level of agricultural production The community is mainly dependant only on two crops /sesame & cotton/ The community is mainly dependant only on two crops /sesame & cotton/ This dependency may expose crop production to natural disaster This dependency may expose crop production to natural disaster Adopting and practicing new and suitable crops to the area will prevent crop failure, and may increase crop production Adopting and practicing new and suitable crops to the area will prevent crop failure, and may increase crop production

36. 36Continued Livestock is the main component of the farming system Livestock is the main component of the farming system The grazing area may produce more dry matter than required The grazing area may produce more dry matter than required The availability of high forage biomass indicates the potential of the area to feed more livestock population and opportunity to increase its production The availability of high forage biomass indicates the potential of the area to feed more livestock population and opportunity to increase its production Livestock development has to be supported by proper range management and utilization( hay making, rotational grazing) Livestock development has to be supported by proper range management and utilization( hay making, rotational grazing) The other alternative for sustainable livestock development is introducing exotic improved breeds and breeding with the native ones.(will upgrade both quality and productivity) The other alternative for sustainable livestock development is introducing exotic improved breeds and breeding with the native ones.(will upgrade both quality and productivity) Parasites and diseases challenging livestock production shall be controlled Parasites and diseases challenging livestock production shall be controlled

37. 37Continued And this will reduce the stocking number and thereby livestock pressure on fragile natural resources will be managed (a considerable area is suitable for natural forest development) And this will reduce the stocking number and thereby livestock pressure on fragile natural resources will be managed (a considerable area is suitable for natural forest development) The expansion of farming to ecologically sensitive forest areas is a damaging human intervention The expansion of farming to ecologically sensitive forest areas is a damaging human intervention Areas covered with incense tree and low land bamboo must be closed from any human interferences Areas covered with incense tree and low land bamboo must be closed from any human interferences Proper utilization and management of fragile natural resources will ensure sustainable agricultural development Proper utilization and management of fragile natural resources will ensure sustainable agricultural development Improving apiculture management and marketing arrangement will alleviate the problem and increase honey and wax production Improving apiculture management and marketing arrangement will alleviate the problem and increase honey and wax production

38. 38Continued Progressive destruction of natural vegetation will reduce nectar sources(seriously affect honey and wax production) Progressive destruction of natural vegetation will reduce nectar sources(seriously affect honey and wax production) Gum and incense are collected from the natural forest Gum and incense are collected from the natural forest Degradation of natural forest has reduced the production of gum and incense Degradation of natural forest has reduced the production of gum and incense Low land bamboo is one of the resources threatened by the expansion of rainfed agriculture and fire burning Low land bamboo is one of the resources threatened by the expansion of rainfed agriculture and fire burning

39. 39Continued forest resources development should focus on marginally suitable and not suitable lands for rain fed farming forest resources development should focus on marginally suitable and not suitable lands for rain fed farming integrated forest development with crop cultivation allows them to complement each other, and results in ecological stability and sustainability of production integrated forest development with crop cultivation allows them to complement each other, and results in ecological stability and sustainability of production areas not suitable for forest development shall be designed for area closure areas not suitable for forest development shall be designed for area closure