Statistical reporting in the Indian forestry sector: status, gaps and approach

The collection, processing and dissemination of statistics pertaining to the forestry sector in India have become a major cause of concern for policy planners and researchers. The status of estimates related to various parameters of the forestry and logging sector in the country is not up to the mark. Inordinate delay in data availability, difficulty in validation and general non-response complicate the problem. The forestry sector in general and the state forest departments in particular need to be revitalised and priority needs to be given to statistical reporting work to assist policy decisions. The sector has also lagged behind in adapting the tools of modern technology, particularly those relating to information technology. The paper examines the issue in detail, critically analysing various reasons for the gaps and discusses the methods to plug these, with a view to creating a reliable databank for the forestry sector in India.