VI. FORESTRY

The tables in the forestry sector contain data on the distribution of forest area, girdling of teak, teak and hardwood extraction, production of minor forest produce, teak and hardwood milling. The data are obtained from Forest Department and Myanma Timber Enterprise.

Data on distribution of forest areas are revised after conducting an aerial survey in 1989. It should be noted that forest territorial circles are in line with present administrative states and divisions with effect from April 1983.

Distribution of forest-covered area is shown in Table 6.01 and teak and hardwood extraction, in Table 6.02 by state and division.

Production of Forest Produce

Forest produce are classified into two types - major and minor.

Major Forest Produce - Major forest produce comprises teak and hardwood like Pyinkadoe, Padauk, Pyinma, In-Kanyin, Thitya-Ingyin, Thingan, Tamalan and others. Production is recorded at the time when the measurement is taken by the Revenue Markers for royalty assessment.

Minor Forest Produce - A total of fifteen items of selected minor forest produce is shown in table 6.03.

Girdling of Teak

Girdling of teak is shown in Table 6.04. Teak is extracted under a selection felling system. Mature teak trees which may be 120 to 150 years old are selected and girdled. The girdled teak is left standing for about 3 years in order to lose much of its moisture. The process from girdling to arrival at the terminal depots takes about six years.

Teak and Hardwood Milling

Data on timber milling throughput and outturn shown in table 6.05 cover the operation of state-owned mills under the control of Myanma Timber Enterprise and hired private-owned mills.

Saw Mills

Table 6.06 provides statistics on saw mills, both state-owned and private-owned, which are registered with the Forest Department. They are shown by State and Division.