FORESTRY EXTENSION

Forestry Extension and Interpretation components constitute one of the aspects of Tamil Nadu Afforestation Project. The Forestry Extension wing is undertaking Extension and Interpretation activities through out Tamil Nadu from October 1998 onwards through four Forestry Extension Divisions. These divisions are having headquarters at Tiruchi, Arasanur (Madurai), Jeenu (Krishnagiri) and Ponnagudi (Tirunelveli). Apart from these, there are 25 Extension and Interpretation Centres established under TAP. One extension and interpretation center in Thiruvarur is under construction. These 29 Centres have the facilities of well equiped training hall, museum and demonstration area; bio-fertilizer and bio-nutrient production units. The Forestry Extension activities in all the 30 districts in Tamil Nadu are being carried out at present through the 4 Forestry Extension Centres , 25 Extension and Interpretation Centres.

The location of the extension centres is as under: -

S No	Location	District	Telephone Number
I. FORESTRY EXTENSION CENTRES (Madurai Division)
1.	Arasanur (Madurai)	Sivaganga	04575-236278
2.	Pasumalai	Madurai	0452-2090914
3.	Dindigul	Dindigul	0451-2461924
4.	Thoppukollai	Pudukottai	0432-2209172
5.	Ramanathapuram	Ramanathapuram	---
6.	Vaigaidam	Theni	04546-291578
II. FORESTRY EXTENSION CENTRES (Krishnagiri Division)
7.	Jeenur (Krishnagiri)	Krishnagiri	04343-293016
8.	Harur	Dharmapuri	---
9.	Chittarkoil	Salem	---
10.	Pallikonda	Vellore	04171-291315
11.	Thippakadu	Tiruvannamalai	04175-209384
12	Mangarai	Coimbatore	0422-2908374
13.	Arasalur	Erode	0424-2357576
14.	Athanur	Namakal	---
15.	FingerPost	The Nilgiris	---
III. FORESTRY EXTENSION CENTRES (Tirunelveli Division)
16.	Ponnagudi	Tirunelveli	0462-2484233
17.	Sathankulam	Tuticorin	04639-267694
18.	Srivilliputhur	Virudhunagar	04563-265377
19.	Aralvoimozhi	Kanyakumarai	---
IV. FORESTRY EXTENSION CENTRES (Tiruchy Division)
20.	M.R. Palayam	Tiruchy	0431-2650323
21.	Nanmangalam	Chennai	---
22.	Chinnathathampalayam	Karur	---
23.	Chithali	Perambalur	---
24.	Nagar	Villupuram	04149-221004
25.	Neyveli	Cuddalore	04142-282393
26.	Poondi	Thiruvallur	---
27.	Tirumchampalli	Nagapatinam	---
28.	Pillaiyarpatti	Thanjavur	0436-2292989
29.	Chengalpattu	Kanchepuram	044-27430905

Training is another important activity in the Forest Extension program in Tamilnadu. Trainig is reguraly organized to the farmers in all the forestry extension centres by the forest staff working in the forestry extension unit and by drawing subject matter specialists. During the training program, various improved technologies of profitable tree growing and post harvest technology practices are imparted to farmers and artisans. Eco-education highlighting the importance of forests is also being taught to youths and children. Hands-on training on various income generation activities like Tree seedling raising, Medicinal plants cultivations, Apiary, Vermi-compost and VAM production etc. are also being imparted to rural womenfolk and Self Help Groups. So far 10560 farmers, 12630 Self Help Group members (SHG) and1320 students were trained in the above activities in all these centers.

Demonstration is a way of showing people about the value of improved tree cultivation practice.
The following are the extent coverd wth the involvement of farmers in there farm lands

Fast growing, high yielding and drought tolerant tree species like thornless bamboo, casuarina junghuniana, Ailanthus excelsa, Melia dubia etc. are being introduced to the forming communities by this activity. In addition to the above, tree seedlings and grafts of higher econonmic value are being sold to public at 50% subsidised rate for planting in their fields. It is also proposed to plant about 50000 seedlings in each district by the Extension wing alone during 2007-2008 with species of higher economic returns and drought tolerant varieties in private farm lands.

Source: http://www.forests.tn.nic.in/ResearchExtension/forestry_extension.html