The government also implemented a new law under the Forest Conservation Act to regulate forest conservation in India, which exempted agroforestry and plantations from regulatory oversight so that farmers could practice agroforestry on private land.
By Gursimran Kaur
NITI Aayog’s Greening and Restoration of Wastelands with Agroforestry (GROW) report says that it is possible to restore 26 million hectares of degraded land by 2030 while simultaneously creating an additional carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent.
The report focuses on combating climate change and addressing the suboptimal use of arable land by facilitating restoration projects for achieving national commitments of land degradation.
Niti Aayog has recommended three areas for agroforestry promotion:
- Reducing the import of wood and wood products.
- Carbon sequestration to combat climate change at the global and national levels.
- Addressing suboptimal use of arable land.
The GROW report aims to facilitate restoration projects for achieving national commitments of land degradation neutrality and restoring 26 million hectares of degraded land by 2030 as well as creating an additional carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent.
The report highlights that India possesses approximately 55.76 million hectares of ‘wastelands‘, which make up 16.96 per cent of the total land area. At present, the total area under agroforestry is approximately 28.42 million hectares, which covers about 8.65 percent of India’s geographical area.
What is Agroforestry?
Agroforestry is a combination of practicing agriculture and forestry together on the same unit of land. It is defined as a land use system that integrates trees and shrubs on farmlands and rural landscapes.
It is a traditional practice to recognize and promote trees on farms in a special arrangement pattern. Agroforestry is a dynamic and ecological natural resource management system.
Agroforestry is practiced by small, marginal, and even large-scale farmers in both irrigation-facilitated and rain-fed farming.
The report released on the ministry’s website provides details on cultivating 36 specific species, including bamboo, that are suitable for agroforestry systems and home gardens. The list also includes important timber species such as poplar, teak, shisham (Indian rosewood), and mahogany.
Agroforestry has the power to enhance the productivity, profitability, and sustainability of India through the appropriate utilization of land.
Earlier, the government formulated the National Agroforestry Policy (NAP) in 2014 to encourage tree plantations on farmlands.
The government also implemented a new law under the Forest Conservation Act to regulate forest conservation in India, which exempted agroforestry and plantations from regulatory oversight so that farmers could practice agroforestry on private land, thereby helping the country increase the area under green cover.
Sandalwood, Pongamia, and Anjan are among the trees suitable for plantations in rain-fed areas. Eucalyptus, Casuarina, and Flame of Forest are among the saline or sodic land areas. Whereas, the Neem tree is suitable for both areas.
The report highlights that India possesses approximately 55.76 million hectares of ‘wastelands’, which make up 16.96% of the total land area. At present, the total area under agroforestry is approximately 28.42 million hectares, which covers about 8.65 percent of India’s geographical area.
Benefits and expected impacts
Agroforestry can provide a wide range of environmental, economic, and socio-cultural benefits.
Agroforestry enhances the fertility of soil and the nutrient cycle, contributing to sustainable land management practices.
It also has the potential to enhance ecosystem services through carbon storage, the prevention of deforestation, and biodiversity conservation.
Agroforestry systems improve water-use efficiency and mitigate soil erosion, contributing towards conservation and water management efforts.
In addition, agroforestry enables agricultural land to withstand extreme weather events, such as floods, droughts, and climate change.
Through agroforestry, fuel, food, fodder, timber, and fertilizer can be produced, which contributes to food, nutrition, and ecological security.
Agroforestry has also proved to be economically viable, offering additional income sources for the farmers from diversified sources such as timber, fuel, etc.
It has significant potential to provide employment to rural and urban populations through production, industrial applications, and value-added ventures.
The Greening and Restoration of Wasteland with Agroforestry (GROW) report by NITI Aayog utilized remote sensing and geographic information systems (GIS) to assess agroforestry suitability across all districts in India. The report offers a detailed state- and district-wise analysis, providing valuable insights for government departments and industries involved in greening and restoration projects.
