Regulatory Structure for Encouraging Agroforestry

What does Agroforestry mean?

Agroforestry involves the simultaneous practice of agriculture and forestry on a single parcel of land.

Agroforestry trees in India are leftover trees from forests removed for farming, providing shade, soil enrichment, and additional advantages to the land.

Advantages of Agroforestry

Agroforestry systems function as carbon sinks, minimizing greenhouse gas emissions.

Trees offer shade, act as windbreaks, and help regulate microclimates, benefiting crops by alleviating stress from severe weather conditions.

Tree roots take in surplus water during intense rainfall, lessening flooding and enhancing groundwater replenishment.

It offers various non-timber forest products like fruits, nuts, and medicinal plants, which can aid in food security and income generation.

Agroforestry in India involves integrating trees and shrubs with agricultural crops and livestock. This practice enhances biodiversity, improves soil health, and increases crop yields. It also provides additional income through the sale of timber and non-timber products. By combining these various elements, agroforestry creates sustainable farming systems that benefit both the environment and local communities. The approach addresses challenges such as land degradation and climate change, making it a vital strategy for agricultural resilience in India.

The extent of agroforestry in India encompasses approximately 8.65% of the nation’s overall geographical space.

Approximately 56% of India consists of agricultural land, while 20% is covered by forests.

The greatest concentration is observed in Uttar Pradesh (1.86 million ha), succeeded by Maharashtra (1.61 million ha), Rajasthan (1.55 million ha), and Andhra Pradesh (1.17 million ha).

Guidelines for Cutting Trees in Agricultural Areas

The guidelines are suggestive in essence and have been provided to assist States and UT in developing their own regulations.

A State-Level Committee, as outlined in the Wood-Based Industries (Establishment and Regulation) Guidelines, 2016, is to be assigned with;

Management of agroforestry activities such as plantation documentation and tree cutting protocols,

Appointment and supervision of assessment organizations that will examine and confirm the plantation information,

Encouragement of wood production from agricultural land and establishment of market connections.

Applicants must register their farms on the National Timber Management System (NTMS) portal.

Streamlined Method for Cutting Down Trees:

The portal will generate the No Objection Certificate (NOC) for tree cutting.

Government Efforts to Encourage Agroforestry

National Agroforestry Policy (NAP): The Government established the National Agroforestry Policy in 2014 to encourage agroforestry as a sustainable land management approach.

The initiative seeks to expand the land dedicated to agroforestry, boost production, and enhance farmers' livelihoods.

Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY): Initiated in 2015, this program aims to improve water utilization in agriculture.

It encourages agroforestry methods like integrated farming systems and watershed management to enhance soil health and conserve water.

National Bamboo Mission (NBM): Bamboo is crucial in agroforestry systems.

Started in 2018, it seeks to encourage bamboo cultivation and improve the livelihoods of communities reliant on bamboo, thereby indirectly aiding agroforestry.

Sub-Mission on Agroforestry (SMAF): As part of the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA), SMAF was initiated to encourage agroforestry practices and offer financial assistance to farmers for setting up and maintaining agroforestry systems.

Integrated Farming System (IFS): The IFS concept combines different agricultural elements like crops, livestock, fisheries, and agroforestry to maximize resource efficiency, boost productivity, and strengthen farm resilience.

Next Steps

Farmer Encouragement: The government ought to offer monetary incentives, insurance protection, and guaranteed repurchase options to promote agroforestry.

Oversight and Clarity: Regular audits and continuous monitoring must be implemented to deter abuse and guarantee sustainability.

Environmental Integration: Agroforestry should be incorporated into climate action strategies and rural development initiatives to fulfill wider ecological and economic objectives.