KATHMANDU, March 8: Owners of family forest have urged the government to prioritize family forest in state programs and assure hassle-free supply of forest products of such forestry.
Submitting separate memorandum in 36 district chapters of the Association of Family Forest Owners' Nepal (AFFON) on the occasion of its second establishment day they demanded government to relax tougher provisions while selling their forest products.
The Association demanded that that the leadership of AFFON be involved while making any decisions related to forest. It has also demanded that one must be able to buy, sell and transport the timber produced in family forest with no difficulties.
Forest guard fire aerial shots to disperse timber smugglers
At the function, family forest owner Gokul Giri of Ramkot, Kathmandu shared the torture given by District Forest Office for chopping down a tree of Lapsi (Choerospondias axillaris) in his own field.
Speaking at the program, Giri accused the government of depriving from his right to sell products grown in his farmland.
Locals and members of various organizations stressed on providing freedom to the owners of the forest to make their own decisions.
"One has full right on his or her forest and Government cannot interfere in their decision," said Jog Raj Giri, AFFON chairperson stressing that it is really important to aware the farmers about their rights.
