Uttarkahand set to get Rs 655-cr loan from Japanese agency

Japan International Corporation Agency (JICA) on Wednesday agreed to provide a loan assistance of Rs 655 crore for developing and enhancing non-timber forest products (NTFP) in Uttarakhand.

This was decided at a meeting at the secretariat here where a 5-member delegation from JICA met state chief secretary Alok Kumar Jain. "Jica has agreed to work on the non-timber forest products in the Himalayan region," said an official statement said.

"JICA, which is working in over 150 nations, will conduct a survey and prepare detailed project reports (DPRs) before signing a formal agreement with the state government on the new project," said additional principal forest conservator S T S Lepcha.

The loan will come in the shape of grant where the central assistance will be 90 percent, said Lepcha. Uttarakhand, which enjoys special category status, will have to return only 10 percent of the total loan of Rs 655 crore, Lepcha said.

Medicinal plants, bamboo and fiber are among various non-forest products where JICA has expressed its willingness to work. These products play an important part in the rural economy especially in the hilly region. "The prime focus will be plantation of such products. After that, we will work on enhancing the value addition of these products for better marketing," said Lepcha.

Addressing the Japanese delegation, Jain said the new project will not only open up new avenues of employment in the state but would also enhance their economic condition.

"This project will bring prosperity in the state," said Jain.

Jain also said the JICA will soon conduct a survey and prepare a project report in this regard.