A Sustainable Approach to Developing Nontimber Forest Production through the Application of Novel and Advanced Technology

China is endowed with a rich variety of nontimber forest resource.Presently,more than 200 species are cultivated on an acreage exceeding 20 million hactares.Managed with different forms characterized by varying ownerships,the total area devoted to nontimber forest crops will have been extended to 40 or 45 million hactares by 2000. With a view to improving production novel and advanced technology must be developed and introduced into practice,which may be done in the context of genetic study of tree species and varieties,breeding of new varieties,ecosystem approach to orchard management,better stroage methods,and new orientations for deep processing and integrated utilization.As for the development strategies,these aspects of endeavor can be divided into immediate,short term and long-term targets.