Srinagar, April 10 -- Unmanaged overgrazing is posing a major challenge to the forest ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir.

Forests are integral to the sustainability of primary sectors of agriculture, horticulture, sheep, and animal husbandry, particularly in the hilly areas of Jammu and Kashmir where people rely heavily on the forests for wood, fodder, food, and small timber requirements.

However, heavy grazing pressure on the forest areas has resulted in the growth of unpalatable grasses, increased soil erosion, and low productivity.

According to the latest annual administrative report accessed by The Kashmir Monitor, Jammu, and Kashmir recorded 8.80 lakh incidents of grazing in the year 2020-21.

"The forests of Jammu & Kashmir are under...