Srinagar, March 16 -- Jammu and Kashmir government has launched a policy for the sustainable collection and utilization of non-forest timber produce (NTFP) in the UT.

J&K is one the unique biodiversity hotspots in the Indian Himalayas with around 48 percent of the geographical area under forest cover. The forests in the region are the repository of non-forest timber produce (NTFP) like bamboo, brushwood, stumps, cane, honey, wax, tussar, rare medicinal plants, herbs, roots, tubers, etc.

A senior official at the Forest Department, Jammu & Kashmir said the policy aims to involve the forest-dependent communities directly in sustainable collection and utilization of NTFP, thereby creating livelihood opportunities for them.

"The present man...