Chief Minister of the Indian state of Odisha, Naveen Patnaik, has called for diversification of forestry to meet current challenges.

The Hindu reports that Patnaik said the Odisha Forest Development Corporation (OFDC) needed to diversify in areas such as agroforestry, biodiversity conservation, ecotourism and the processing of forest products which involves local people.

“OFDC must provide a platform to tribal and other forest dwellers to sell minor produce items profitably,” said Mr. Patnaik. He added that such corporate social responsibility would help to combat the illegal removal of timber, firewood and bamboo from forests.

Forest and Environment Minister, Bijayshree Routray, also urged the promotion of agroforestry to fulfill requirements for timber and firewood and to protect the environment.

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