Agroforestry in India: Status, Potential, and Challenges

Agroforestry, which integrates woody perennials with crops and/or animals on the same land management unit, is a sustainable land-use system that offers ecological and economic benefits. This practice, which bridges agriculture and forestry, is essential in meeting India's goal of maintaining 33% forest cover, as per the National Forest Policy.

Current Status of Agroforestry in India

Agroforestry in India covers approximately 25.32 million hectares, or 8.2% of the country’s total geographical area (Dhyani et al., 2013); (Dagar et al. 2014) and (CAFRI, 2015). Despite being practiced across various agro-climatic zones, accurate monitoring of agroforestry areas remains a challenge due to inconsistent methodologies. Agroforestry systems in India are diverse, reflecting the country’s varied climates, and range from traditional methods like shifting cultivation to modern systems like plantation-based cropping.

Benefits of Agroforestry

Agroforestry offers multiple benefits, such as enhancing soil fertility, improving water conservation, and providing raw materials for industries. It also contributes to food security by producing fruits, nuts, and fodder. Additionally, agroforestry plays a crucial role in mitigating climate change through carbon sequestration. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) recognizes agroforestry as a key strategy in reducing greenhouse gas emissions (Chavan et al. 2015).

The economic benefits of agroforestry are significant. It provides direct cash benefits from the sale of tree products and increased productivity per unit of land compared to monoculture systems. Moreover, agroforestry supports diversified products, including timber, fuelwood, and fruits, which are essential for rural livelihoods.