Box 7: Firewood as energy source

In Anthragange region of Kolar the per capita firewood need is as high as 2.5 kg. While, in other areas of the district the firewood consumption is about 1.7 kg. per person per day. Procurement of firewood is the issue of concern, because it directly affects green cover on the earth. Forests and the land own by farmer are the main source for firewood in Kolar. Fuelwood is mainly used for cooking and horticulture residues from the coconut trees are used for water heating purposes. Many households rely on more than one source and the belief that firewood is free resource is no more true for many in the area because about 12% of the households purchase firewood from market. Commercialisation of firewood is an indicator of difficult access in the area, though there are some social reasons for this. Firewood from own land is a step towards sustainability, but unfortunately farmers are reluctant to grow only Eucalyptus species for this purpose. The main reason for is forest departments' ignorance to monoculture in the area. If mixed plantation practice is adopted instead of monoculture, it will help maintain ecological balance to certain extent in the area. More and more available wasteland, village land can be brought under such "energy plantation" to support energy system in the district.