Jharkhand, often referred to as the “Green Heart of India,” boasts a dense cover of tropical dry deciduous forests that span nearly 29.76% of its geographical area, making it one of India’s richest states in forest biodiversity and forest-based livelihoods. With over 93% of its land covered under dry deciduous zones, the state is home to valuable major forest products like Sal (Sakhua), Mahua, Sheesham, Teak, and Semal, as well as minor forest produce (MFP) including Lac (Lakh), Kendu leaves, and Tasar silk. These resources not only support tribal and rural economies, but also play a crucial role in India’s timber, herbal, and silk industries. Jharkhand leads the country in Lac production (57%) and Tasar silk production (76.4%), and has implemented sustainable forest management policies through cooperatives like JHAMFCOFED, empowering forest-dependent communities. This blog explores the rich natural wealth of Jharkhand’s forests, their economic significance, ecological benefits, and role in employment generation, with a focus on facts often asked in competitive exams and government assessments.
Total Forest Area in Jharkhand
- As per ISFR-2021, forests cover 23,721.14 sq. km, which is 29.76% of Jharkhand’s total geographical area.
- Jharkhand contributes 3.31% to India’s total forest area.
- National Ranking (by percentage of forest cover): 10th position among all states.
- Per capita forest and tree cover in the state is 0.08 hectares (as per ISFR-2021).
Note: Jharkhand’s forest cover is higher than the national average (21.67%) but lower than the National Forest Policy target of 33%.
Growth in Forest Area
- Between 2019 and 2021, Jharkhand recorded a forest cover increase of 109.73 sq. km (0.46%).
- In terms of forest area growth, Jharkhand ranks 5th among all Indian states.
Classification of Forest Cover (Area in sq. km)
| Forest Type | 2013 | 2015 | 2017 | 2019 | 2021 | % Share (2021) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Very Dense Forest | 2,587 | 2,588 | 2,598 | 2,603.20 | 2,601.05 | 3.36% |
| Moderately Dense | 9,667 | 9,663 | 9,686 | 9,687.36 | 9,688.91 | 12.16% |
| Open Forest | 11,219 | 11,227 | 11,269 | 11,320.85 | 11,431.18 | 14.34% |
| Total | 23,473 | 23,478 | 23,553 | 23,611.41 | 23,721.14 | 29.76% |
Note: Open forests make up the largest share (48%), followed by moderately dense (41%) and very dense forests (11%).
District-wise Forest Area
Districts with Highest Forest Area (in sq. km):
- West Singhbhum – 3,368
- Latehar – 2,403
- Chatra – 1,782
Districts with Lowest Forest Area (in sq. km):
- Jamtara – 106
- Deoghar – 206
- Dhanbad – 218
District-wise Forest Area Percentage (to Total Area)
Districts with Highest Forest Percentage:
- Latehar – 56.0%
- Chatra – 47.9%
- West Singhbhum – 46.6%
Districts with Lowest Forest Percentage:
- Jamtara – 5.8%
- Deoghar – 8.3%
- Dhanbad – 10.7%
Tribal Districts and Forests
- Jharkhand has 17 identified tribal districts (out of 218 in India), placing it at 3rd rank after Madhya Pradesh (24) and Assam (19).
- These tribal districts are:
Deoghar, Dumka, Godda, Jamtara, Sahibganj, Pakur, Palamu, Garhwa, Latehar, Lohardaga, Khunti, Ranchi, Gumla, Simdega, Seraikela-Kharsawan, East Singhbhum, West Singhbhum.
Key Stats:
- Total Area of 17 tribal districts: 58,677 sq. km
- Forest Area: 17,521 sq. km
- Forest Cover in tribal districts: 29.86%
Forest Cover in Tribal Districts (Area in sq. km, ISFR-2021)
| Forest Type | 2019 | 2021 | % Share (2021) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Very Dense Forest | 1,879 | 1,877 | 10.7% |
| Moderately Dense | 7,249 | 7,250 | 41.3% |
| Open Forest | 8,313 | 8,334 | 48.0% |
| Total | 17,441 | 17,521 | 100% |
Increase of 80 sq. km in forest area in tribal districts between 2019 and 2021.
Jharkhand Forest Policy Highlights
To achieve the 33% forest cover goal, Jharkhand Government has implemented a state-level forest policy with key features:
- Formation of Forest Committees in every village – each family must have one member.
- Tree plantation according to the needs of rural communities.
- Procurement of forest produce through government agencies.
- Joint forest protection responsibility shared between villagers and forest department.
- Over 10,000 forest committees have been formed under this policy.
Classification of Recorded Forests in Jharkhand
1. Protected Forests (PF)
- Forests where limited human activity is allowed with restrictions.
- Area: 18,922 sq. km → 75.35% of total forest area.
- District with largest PF area: Hazaribagh, followed by Garhwa, Palamu, and Ranchi.
2. Reserved Forests (RF)
- Completely restricted forests – no grazing or cutting permitted.
- Area: 4,500 sq. km → 17.90% of total forest area.
- Largest Reserved Forest Zones: Porahat and Kolhan, along with Rajmahal and Palamu forests.
3. Unclassed Forests (UF)
- Forests that don’t fall under Reserved or Protected categories.
- Area: 1,696 sq. km → 6.75% of total forest area.
- Largest UF Area: Sahibganj, followed by West Singhbhum and Dumka.
Important Facts for Competitive Exams
- Jharkhand’s forest cover is 29.76% (ISFR 2021).
- Ranks 10th in India by forest cover percentage.
- Ranks 5th in India in terms of forest area increase.
- Per capita forest cover: 0.08 ha.
- Very Dense Forest share: 3.36%.
- Open Forests have the highest share: 14.34%.
- West Singhbhum – Highest forest area; Jamtara – Lowest.
- Latehar – Highest forest %; Jamtara – Lowest.
- Tribal districts forest cover: 29.86%.
- State Forest Policy aims for 33% cover, community-based approach.
Overview of Forest Cover in Jharkhand
- According to the Forest Survey of India (FSI) Report 2021, forests in Jharkhand cover 23,721.14 sq. km, which is 29.76% of the state’s total geographical area.
- Jharkhand accounts for 3.31% of India’s total forest area.
- Ranked 10th among Indian states in terms of percentage forest cover.
- Per capita forest and tree cover in Jharkhand is 0.08 hectare.
- Jharkhand’s forest cover is higher than the national average (21.67%) but lower than the National Forest Policy target (33%).
Recorded Forest Area (RFA) in Jharkhand
- Total recorded forest area: 25,118 sq. km
- Increase of 110 sq. km in forest area between 2019 and 2021.
- Jharkhand ranks 5th in India in terms of increase in forest area in the last two years.
Forest Cover Classification (Area in sq. km)
| Type of Forest | 2019 | 2021 | % of State Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Very Dense Forest (VDF) | 2,603.20 | 2,601.05 | 3.36% |
| Moderately Dense Forest (MDF) | 9,687.36 | 9,688.91 | 12.16% |
| Open Forest (OF) | 11,320.85 | 11,431.18 | 14.34% |
| Total Forest Cover | 23,611.41 | 23,721.14 | 29.76% |
Forest Composition (2021)
- Very Dense Forests (VDF): 11%
- Moderately Dense Forests (MDF): 41%
- Open Forests (OF): 48%
Top and Bottom Districts by Forest Area (2021)
Top 3 Districts by Forest Area
- West Singhbhum – 3,368 sq. km ⭐
- Latehar – 2,403 sq. km ⭐
- Chatra – 1,782 sq. km
Bottom 3 Districts by Forest Area
- Jamtara – 106 sq. km ⭐
- Deoghar – 206 sq. km
- Dhanbad – 218 sq. km
Districts with Highest % Forest Cover
- Latehar – 56.0% ⭐
- Chatra – 47.9%
- West Singhbhum – 46.6%
Districts with Lowest % Forest Cover
- Jamtara – 5.8% ⭐
- Deoghar – 8.3%
- Dhanbad – 10.7%
Forest Cover in Tribal Districts
- Jharkhand has 17 Tribal Districts (Ranked 3rd in India, after MP and Assam).
- Total area of tribal districts: 58,677 sq. km
- Total forest area in tribal districts: 17,521 sq. km
- Forest cover in tribal districts: 29.86% of their geographical area.
- Increase of 80 sq. km in forest cover from 2019 to 2021 in these districts.
Recorded Forest Categories in Jharkhand
| Category | Area (sq. km) | % of RFA |
|---|---|---|
| Protected Forests | 18,922 | 75.35% ⭐ |
| Reserved Forests | 4,500 | 17.90% |
| Unclassed Forests | 1,696 | 6.75% |
Protected Forests
- Human activities like grazing or cutting are allowed with restrictions.
- Largest protected forest area: Hazaribagh ⭐
- Others: Garhwa, Palamu, Ranchi
Reserved Forests
- Strictly protected: No human activity allowed without permission.
- Largest areas: Porahat, Kolhan, Rajmahal, Palamu forests.
Unclassed Forests
- Forests not under reserved/protected category.
- Largest unclassed forest area: Sahibganj, followed by West Singhbhum, Dumka, Hazaribagh.
Forest Cover Within & Outside RFA (2021)
Within Recorded Forest Area:
- Very Dense Forest: 1,414 sq. km (11.51%)
- Moderately Dense Forest: 5,186 sq. km (42.23%)
- Open Forest: 5,682 sq. km (46.26%)
- Total: 12,282 sq. km
Outside Recorded Forest Area:
- Very Dense Forest: 1,187 sq. km (10.37%)
- Moderately Dense Forest: 4,503 sq. km (39.37%)
- Open Forest: 5,749 sq. km (50.26%)
- Total: 11,439 sq. km
Tree Cover & Forest-Tree Statistics
- Total Forest Cover (2021): 23,721.14 sq. km
- Tree Cover: 2,657 sq. km
- Total Forest + Tree Cover: 26,268 sq. km
- % of Geographical Area: 33.35%
- Per Capita Forest & Tree Cover: 0.08 hectare
Land Use Pattern in Jharkhand (2021)
| Land Use | Area (‘000 ha) | % of Reporting Area |
|---|---|---|
| Forest | 2,239 | 28.09% |
| Not Available for Cultivation | 1,281 | 16.07% |
| Permanent Pastures & Grazing | 127 | 1.59% |
| Misc. Tree Crops & Groves | 121 | 1.52% |
| Culturable Waste | 368 | 4.62% |
| Fallow Other Than Current | 1,105 | 13.86% |
| Current Fallow | 1,285 | 16.13% |
| Net Sown Area | 1,444 | 18.12% |
Forest Types Based on Climate
Tropical Moist Deciduous Forests
- Found in areas with rainfall >120 cm
- Common in Singhbhum, southern Ranchi, southern Latehar, Santhal Pargana
- Dominant species: Sal, Shisham, Jamun, Palash, Semal, Mahua, Bamboo
- Sal is considered the king of deciduous forests.
- Covers 2.66% of state area
Tropical Dry Deciduous Forests
- Found in areas with rainfall <120 cm
- Spread in Palamu, Giridih, Singhbhum, Hazaribagh, Dhanbad, Santhal Pargana
- Dominated by grasses and shrubs, trees include Bamboo, Neem, Peepal, Khair, Palash, Jackfruit, etc.
Forest Policy Initiatives in Jharkhand
- Target: Increase forest cover beyond 33%
- Formation of over 10,000 Village Forest Committees
- Each village has one forest committee, including one member per household.
- Emphasis on:
- Plantation based on villagers’ needs.
- Procurement of forest products via government agencies.
- Shared responsibility of forest protection between villagers and forest department.
Forest Types in Jharkhand
- Tropical Dry Deciduous Forests dominate 93.25% of the state’s area.
- Two main types of forests:
- Moist Deciduous Forests
- Dry Deciduous Forests
Major Forest Products of Jharkhand
1. Sal (Shorea robusta / Sakhua) ★
- State Tree of Jharkhand.
- Extremely hard and durable, used in:
- Construction timber
- Furniture
- Railway sleepers and coach flooring
- Flowers known as Sarai Phool
- Seeds yield Kujri oil, used in natural medicine
2. Shisham (Siscoo / Dalbergia sissoo)
- Known for strong and durable wood
- Widely used in furniture making
3. Mahua (Madhuca indica) ★
- Considered the most useful tree in Jharkhand
- All parts used: wood, fruit, flowers, seeds
- Uses:
- Wood for doors and posts
- Flowers as food
- Seeds for extracting oil
4. Teak (Tectona grandis / Sagwan)
- Hard and beautiful wood
- Used in furniture and railway coaches
5. Semal (Silk Cotton Tree)
- Light, soft, and white wood
- Used in:
- Packaging boxes
- Planks and toys
- Produces cotton-like fiber
6. Gamhar (Gmelina arborea)
- Wood is light, smooth, durable
- Suitable for furniture and carving
7. Jamun (Syzygium cumini)
- Resistant to water, used in:
- Well bases
- Furniture
- Seeds used for medicines, fruits are edible
8. Mango (Mangifera indica)
- Easily available, wood used for doors and furniture
9. Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus)
- Wood used in building construction
- Fruit is edible
10. Kendu (Diospyros melanoxylon)
- Wood: Used as a primary forest product
- Leaves: Collected as minor forest produce for beedi production
Minor Forest Products of Jharkhand
A. Lac (Lakh) Production ★
- Jharkhand contributes 57% of India’s total lac production
- Leading lac-producing state
- Favorable conditions:
- Elevation: ~350m above sea level
- Temperature: 24–26°C
- Rainfall: <150 cm
- Types of Lac:
- Aghani Lac – 47% ★
- Jethwi Lac – 44%
- Baisakhi Lac – 6%
- Katki Lac – 3%
- Lac insect (Laccifer lacca) grown on:
- Palash
- Kusum
- Ber trees
- Insoluble in alcohol, non-conductor of electricity
- Uses:
- Polish, varnish, bangles, gramophone records, toys, fireworks
- Top producing districts (latest data):
- Ranchi ★ (1st)
- Simdega (2nd)
- Gumla (3rd)
- Previously, Khunti was the leader
- Torri (Latehar district): Important lac export hub
- Government initiatives:
- Formation of 1,750 Forest Management Committees (2014–15)
- Lac given the status of Agriculture by the Jharkhand Government ★
✴ Historical & Institutional Highlights
- Indian Lac Research Institute established on 20 Sept 1924 in Namkum, Ranchi
- Later renamed:
- Indian Institute of Natural Resins and Gums (2007)
- National Institute of Secondary Agriculture (NISA) – current name
- ‘Lac’ originates from Sanskrit word ‘Laksha’
JHAMFCOFED (झाम्पकोफेड)
- Full Name: Jharkhand State Minor Forest Produce Co-operative Development and Marketing Federation Limited
- Established in 2007
- Objective:
- Protect forest dwellers from middlemen
- Promote minor forest produce-based industries through cooperatives
- Two-tier structure
- Head body and 88 Primary Cooperative Societies
B. Kendu Leaves (Tendu Patta) ★
- Most important minor forest product for revenue
- Used for beedi and tobacco wrapping
- Governed by:
- Jharkhand Kendu Leaf Policy, 2015
- Policy ensures:
- Fair wages for primary collectors
C. Tasar Silk (Wild Silk) ★
- Jharkhand ranks 1st in India for tasar silk production
- Contributes 76.4% of India’s tasar output
- Silkworms reared on:
- Sal, Arjun, and Asan trees
- India produces four silk types:
- Mulberry
- Eri
- Muga
- Tasar – most prominently from Jharkhand
Key Highlights for Exams
- Sal is the State Tree of Jharkhand
- Jharkhand is India’s top producer of Lac and Tasar Silk
- Lac industry centered in Ranchi, Simdega, Gumla
- Lac Institute in Namkum established in 1924
- JHAMFCOFED works for fair trade of forest produce
- Kendu Leaf and Tasar are major minor products
- Lac renamed as Agricultural product by the State