Himachal Bioeconomy Valuation Report Released

Himachal Pradesh’s forest-based bioeconomy has been valued at Rs 22,600 crore annually in a report titled Counting Green Wealth: Towards a Future-Ready People’s Forest Economy in Himachal Pradesh. The report was jointly prepared by the Himachal Pradesh Forest Department and the Bharti Institute of Public Policy at the Indian School of Business.

Bioeconomy and Forest Resources

Bioeconomy refers to economic activity based on renewable biological resources, including forests, plants, and biomass. In Himachal Pradesh, the report assessed the economic and ecological value of forest resources using local forest knowledge, satellite imagery, artificial intelligence, and machine learning.

Key Sectors Identified in the Study

The report identified four major sectors linked to the state’s green economy. These sectors include wild fruits and health products valued at Rs 11,340 crore, pine needle-based eco-coal valued at Rs 5,500 crore, regulated Khair timber valued at Rs 5,000 crore, and bamboo-based materials and biofuel valued at Rs 2,760 crore in one estimate and Rs 760 crore in another estimate.

Forest Cover and Employment Estimates

Himachal Pradesh’s forest cover increased from about 14,353 sq km in 2003 to about 15,580 sq km in 2023. The forest cover share rose to around 28 per cent of the state’s geographical area. The report estimates nearly 50,000 days of local employment from the bioeconomy, with pine needle collection and processing forming a major component.

Important Facts for Exams

• Himachal Pradesh is a Himalayan state in north-western India and has extensive temperate forest ecosystems.
• Pine needles are a common forest biomass resource in Himachal Pradesh and are used in biomass-based products.
• Khair is a tree species associated with catechu and timber use in parts of India.
• Artificial intelligence and machine learning are increasingly used in forest mapping and resource assessment.

Monitoring and Conservation Context

The report refers to an AI-powered forest intelligence system for real-time monitoring of forest resources. Forest-based valuation studies in India often combine ecological data, remote sensing, and biomass assessment for resource planning.