Why were forest considered as unproductive by the british?

Answer 1

The British considered forests unproductive primarily because they viewed land primarily in terms of agricultural output and economic exploitation. They believed that forests did not yield immediate financial returns compared to cultivated fields, which could produce cash crops. This perspective led to extensive deforestation for agriculture and urban development, as British colonial policies prioritized short-term economic gains over the ecological value of forests. Additionally, the British often underestimated the sustainable resources and benefits that forests provided to local communities and ecosystems.