摘要：Forests are conceived to be the nature's precious gift. The forests of Jammu and Kashmir like other parts of India are most important sector of state economy. Apart from providing valuable raw material for the industries, they promise both direct and indirect opportunities.In Jammu and Kashmir prime contribution of forests is towards maintenance of ecological balance, conservation of biodiversity, regulation of hydrological regime, promotion of soil and water conservation, climate regulation, carbon sequestration and nutrient recycling. Forests of Jammu and Kashmir state are renowned the world over for their scenic charm and aesthetics. These also contribute directly or indirectly for sustaining agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry, water supply, power generation, industry, herbal medicines and tourism. In Jammu and Kashmir forests are largely distributed in Kashmir valley and Jammu region. Ladakh area being a cold desert is devoid of forest vegetation. The sprawl of forests and the species of trees found in Jammu and Kashmir are directly influenced by the lithology, rock structure, altitude, aspect of slope, insolations and general edaphic and geo-ecological condition.
