INTRODUCTION

• Agroforestry, a traditional land-use practice in India that integrates crops, trees, and livestock, is regaining popularity after decades of monocropping inspired by the Green Revolution. This diversified approach to agriculture can enhance both farmer livelihoods and environmental sustainability.

WHAT IS AGROFORESTRY

• Agroforestry is any sustainable land-use system that maintains or increases total yields by combining food crops (annuals) with tree crops (perennials) and/or livestock on the same unit of land, either alternately or at the same time, using management practices that suit the social and cultural characteristics of the local people and the economic and eco­logical conditions of the area.

TYPES OF AGROFORESTRY

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• OTHER SYSTEMS:

• Apiculture with trees: In this system various honey (nectar) producing trees frequently visited by honeybees are planted on the boundary of the agricultural  fields

• Aquaforestry: 

• In this system various trees and shrubs preferred by fish are planted on the boundary and around fish ponds. 

• Tree leaves are used as feed for fish. The main role of this system is fish production and bund stabilisation around fish ponds

• Mixed wood lots: 

• In this system, special location specific MultiPurpose Trees   (MPTs) are grown mixed or separately planted for various purposes such as wood, fodder, soil conservation , soil reclamation etc.

Benefits of Agroforestry System:

• Environmental Benefits:

• Improved Soil Fertility:

• Trees fix nitrogen from the air, enriching the soil. 

• Their leaves decompose, adding organic matter that improves soil health and fertility. This, in turn, benefits crops grown alongside the trees.

• Enhanced Soil Conservation:

• Tree roots bind the soil particles together, reducing soil erosion caused by wind and heavy rain. 

• This is particularly important on slopes and in areas with fragile soils.

• Increased Water Conservation:

• Trees act like natural sponges, soaking up rainwater and releasing it slowly throughout the dry season, this helps to regulate water flow and prevent floods. 

• The shade provided by trees also reduces evaporation from the soil surface.

• Boosted Biodiversity: 

• Agroforestry systems create a more complex habitat for a wider variety of plants and animals. 

• This biodiversity can help to control pests and diseases naturally.

• Economic Benefits:

• Increased Crop Yields: 

• Trees can provide shade and shelter for crops, protecting them from harsh sunlight and wind. 

• This can improve crop yields, especially for shade-loving crops like coffee or cocoa.

• Diversified Income Streams:

• Farmers can generate additional income from the trees they plant in their agroforestry systems. 

• This could include fruits, nuts, timber, or fodder for livestock.

• Reduced Reliance on External Inputs: 

• Trees can help to suppress weeds and pests, reducing the need for chemical herbicides and pesticides. 

• This can save farmers money and reduce their environmental impact.

• Improved Climate Resilience: 

• The diversification of crops and trees in an agroforestry system can make farms more resilient to the effects of climate change, such as drought and flooding.

• Social benefits:

• Improvement in rural living standards from sustained employ­ment and higher income.

• Improvement in nutrition and health due to increased quality and diversity of food outputs.

• Stabilisation and improvement of communities through elimination of the need to shift sites of farm activities.

NEED FOR AGROFORESTRY IN INDIA

• Environmental Needs:

• Land Degradation: 

• According to the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare , over 50% of India's land is degraded due to soil erosion, salinity, and chemical imbalances. 

• Agroforestry's ability to improve soil fertility and conservation can help reverse this trend.

• Deforestation:  

• According to the 2021 India State of Forest Report (ISFR), India's total forest cover is 80.9 million hectares, or 24.62% of the country's total land area. 

• The National Forest Policy of India states that to maintain ecological stability, at least 33% of the country's total geographical area should be under forest cover.

• Economic Needs:

• Livelihood Security:

• A large portion of India's population depends on agriculture, diversification and additional income streams offered by agroforestry can improve the livelihoods of small and marginal farmers, as highlighted by the Central Agroforestry Research Institute.

• Climate Change Challenges:

• India is highly vulnerable to climate change impacts like droughts and floods. 

• The Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (CEEW) emphasises that agroforestry systems can make farms more resilient to these challenges.

• Social Needs:

• Fuelwood and Fodder Security:

• A significant portion of India's rural population relies on wood for cooking and fodder for livestock. 

• Agroforestry practices can provide a sustainable source of fuelwood and fodder, reducing pressure on natural forests.

• Nutritional Security: 

• According to the 2023 Global Hunger Index (GHI), India's malnutrition status is considered serious, with a score of 28.7 out of 100, ranking 111 out of 125 countries.

• Integrating fruit trees into cropping systems can enhance dietary diversity and address malnutrition, especially in vulnerable communities.

CHALLENGES IN IMPLEMENTATION 

• Lack of Awareness and Knowledge:

• Farmers accustomed to traditional monoculture practices might not understand the long-term benefits of integrating trees with crops, leading to initial hesitance.

• A 2018 study by the World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF) revealed that awareness about agroforestry benefits remains limited among some Indian farmers, particularly smallholders.

• Institutional and Policy Constraints:

• In some regions, complex regulations and bureaucratic hurdles regarding tree felling and transportation can make it difficult for farmers to manage or harvest trees within their agroforestry systems.

• Limited Market Access and Infrastructure:

• Farmers who plant specialty fruit trees in their agroforestry systems might face challenges connecting with reliable buyers or processing facilities, leading to lower income potential.

• A 2017 report by the Central Agroforestry Research Institute (ICAR-CAFRI) highlighted the need for better market linkages for agroforestry products like fruits, nuts, and timber.

• Competition for Land and Water Resources:

• The Ministry of Agriculture acknowledged water scarcity as a challenge when drafting the National Agroforestry Policy (2014).

• In drought-prone regions, farmers might be hesitant to dedicate land and water to trees, prioritising immediate food security needs over long-term benefits.

• Long-term Investment with Delayed Returns:

• Unlike seasonal crops, trees in agroforestry systems often take years to mature and provide economic returns. This can be a deterrent for farmers seeking quicker financial gains.

• Example: A farmer who plants a timber tree in their agroforestry system might need to wait 10-15 years before harvesting, potentially discouraging them compared to a crop with a shorter harvest cycle.

WAY FORWARD

• Knowledge Dissemination and Capacity Building:

• Partner with NGOs and Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) to conduct training workshops for farmers on different agroforestry models suited to their regions.

• Develop localised educational materials (videos, pamphlets) in regional languages showcasing successful agroforestry practices by fellow farmers.

• Strengthening Institutional Frameworks and Policies:

• Advocate for streamlining regulations related to tree felling and transportation within agroforestry systems, ensuring ecological responsibility while facilitating farmer management.

• Incentivize local Panchayats (village councils) to allocate degraded common lands for community-based agroforestry projects, promoting both environmental restoration and shared benefits.

• Fostering Market Linkages and Value Chains:

• Collaborate with private companies and cooperatives to establish collection centres and processing facilities for specialty fruits, nuts, and timber produced through agroforestry.

• Promote e-commerce platforms and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) to connect agroforestry farmers directly with consumers, bypassing middlemen and increasing their profits.

• Addressing Land and Water Resource Concerns:

• Integrate drought-resistant tree species into agroforestry models, along with water-harvesting techniques, to minimise competition for scarce water resources.

• Example:Planting trees that don't compete with crops for water is a way to manage trade-offs between agriculture and water usage.

• Bengaluru-based WELL Labs adapted an open-source water-accounting tool called "Jaltol" to assess water competition between trees and crops.

• Insights: Mango plantations in central Karnataka don't compete with kharif crops for water.

• Encourage intercropping with legumes in initial stages of establishing agroforestry systems. 

• Legumes fix nitrogen in the soil, improving fertility and potentially reducing overall water needs for crops.

• Overcoming Long-Term Investment Challenges:

• Introduce microfinance schemes or government subsidies specifically targeted at supporting initial costs associated with establishing agroforestry practices.

• Develop carbon credit trading programs that compensate farmers for the carbon sequestration benefits of their agroforestry systems, providing an additional income stream.

• Finding combination of Native Species for Better result:

• Identifying suitable native species is crucial to combat land degradation and diversify livelihood opportunities, though it's challenging. 

• Decision support tools that utilise comprehensive plant trait databases for hundreds of tree species can aid in selecting the most appropriate ones.

• Example: Diversity for Restoration (D4R) tool was developed by Biodiversity International and now suited to needs of India. It will scientifically aid eco-restoration and support agroforestry but giving inputs to multiple stakeholders.

GROW INITIATIVE

• Greening and Restoration of Wasteland with Agroforestry (GROW) report and portal was launched by NITI Aayog.

• This multi-institutional effort led by NITI Aayog utilised remote sensing and GIS to assess agroforestry suitability across all districts in India. 

• Using thematic datasets, an Agroforestry Suitability Index (ASI) was developed for national-level prioritisation. 

• Currently, agroforestry covers 8.65% of India's total geographical area, totalling about 28.42 million hectares. 

GLOBAL BEST PRACTICES:

• NIGER:

• Agroforestry for Rehabilitation of Degraded Lands:

• In Niger, the Sahel Evergreen Initiative focuses on planting native trees like Acacia senegal in degraded lands. 

• BRAZIL:

• Farmers in the Amazon are incorporating leguminous trees like Gliricidia Sepium into their pastures. 

• These trees provide shade and forage for cattle, while also fixing nitrogen in the soil and improving pasture quality.

• VIETNAM:

• The IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) supports initiatives where communities plant fruit trees like durian and rambutan alongside cash crops like rubber. 

• Costa Rica

• Utilising Financial Incentives and Certification Schemes:

• Costa Rica's Payment for Environmental Services (PES) program provides financial rewards to farmers who adopt sustainable practices like agroforestry. 

LOCAL BEST PRACTICES:

•  KERALA:

• Farmers adopt a technique called "Ingu Kulthi" (literally, "arecanut and banana"). 

• Here, banana trees are planted alongside Arecanut palms. 

• Bananas provide shade for the shade-loving Arecanut palms, while also generating additional income.

• RAJASTHAN:

• Farmers adopt Wadi (micro-watershed) based agroforestry systems. 

• Here, trenches are dug along contour lines to capture rainwater runoff. 

• Trees are then planted in these trenches, improving water infiltration and soil moisture.

• ANDHRA PRADESH:

• The Deccan Development Society (DDS) has established a network of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) for marketing non-timber forest products (NTFPs) like honey and medicinal herbs produced through agroforestry practices. 

• This approach ensures farmers receive fair prices for their produce and incentivizes wider adoption

  
  

  SHORT TAKE

  •  Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs):

  • It is an integral part of the National Agricultural Research System (NARS), aims at assessment of location specific technology modules in agriculture and allied enterprises, through technology assessment, refinement and demonstrations. 

CONCLUSION

Embracing agroforestry and fostering collaboration among stakeholders can unlock its transformative potential, leading to a future where sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation coexist, ensuring food security and a greener planet for genera

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Polity

Keywords:
AGROFORESTRY