Question

The aim of social forestry is to make available
A. Fodder
B. Minor timber
C. Firewood
D. All of the above

Answer 1

Hint: Social forestry is a way to protect forests from deforestation. Social forestry schemes can be divided into farm forestry, community forestry, extension forestry, and agroforestry.

Complete answer: Social forestry is the management and protection of forests and afforestation of barren and deforested lands.
It is done for the purpose of helping environmental, social and rural development.
The term social forestry was first used in 1976 by The National Commission on Agriculture when the government of India aimed to reduce pressure on forests by planting trees on all unused and fallow lands.
It was intended as a democratic approach to forest conservation and usage for food, timber, firewood, tree oils, etc. by maximizing land utilization.

Additional information: The Indian government attempted to expand forest areas which were close to human settlements because it was degraded due to human activities.
Trees were planted along railway lines, roadsides, rivers, and canal banks, in village common land, government wasteland, and panchayat land, and were to be planted in and around agricultural fields. Among the goals, one was also to increase fuel availability in rural areas and to prevent soil erosion. This program was a failure due to the lack of governance and management.
The government has involved community participation, through the social forestry scheme as part of a drive towards afforestation, and rehabilitating the degraded forest and common lands.

So, the answer is D. All of the above

Note: Social forestry schemes aim:
1. To improve the environment for protecting agriculture from adverse climatic factors.
2. To increase the supply of fuelwood for domestic use, small timber for rural housing, fodder for livestock, and minor forest produce for local industries,
3. To increase the natural beauty of the landscape; create recreational forests for the benefit of rural and urban populations.
4. To provide jobs for unskilled workers.