Fuelwood and the agro residues have been important inputs for the rural energy supply for over 75% of the population in India and other countries of South Asia. Fuelwood has been meeting up to 93% of the total demand in some of the countries, through in India it meets only 37% of the demand. The ratio between fuelwood, originating from forests and non-forest land is generally not known precisely but certain studies have indicated that about one-third of the fuelwood originates from the forest land and about two-third from non-forest land. Typically, non-commercial sources of fuelwood are located within 20 kms from the end users. Secondary sources of woodfuel are residues from logging and wood processing industries. In some areas, recycled wood supplies as much as 20% of total fuelwood. Recent observations have also indicated that except for localised areas, fuelwood use is not a main cause of deforestation. Appropriate policies in the forestry and agriculture sector can facilitate the sustainable production and good use of fuelwood without undermining the conditions necessary for the production of wood products. Adequate policies can support, environmental management and social development. RWEDP projects that overall trends in demand and potential supply in South Asia indicates that by 2010 the sustainable aggregated potential supply of fueldwood may still outweigh aggregated consumption. The projections also indicate that the consumption patterns for fuelwood are not going to drastically change and that there will be no serious fuelwood shortage to year 2010. The book deals in depth with the biomass production and requirement in South Asia, with specific reference to India.
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