The National Forestry Action Programme (NFAP) has projected the annual requirement of timber for housing, furniture, agricultural implements and industrial purposes in India as 64 million cubic metre. This figure stood against a supply of 43 million cubic metre, said RPS Katwal, Director General of the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education, Bangalore. Katwal said it was imperative to develop methods to preserve wood in a timber-deficient country like India. "Preservative treatment of wood is mandatory since it enhances bio-resistance and service-life, value addition anD better income generation."