About Agroforestry

Agroforestry in India, an integrated land-use system that combines trees, crops, and/or livestock to achieve ecological and economic benefits.  India's pioneering role as the first country globally to adopt a National Agroforestry Policy in 2014, which formalised its commitment to this practice and simplified regulatory hurdles regarding tree harvesting. The  major types of agroforestry systems, such as Agrisilviculture and Silvopasture, and presents substantial economic data, including high benefit-cost ratios, demonstrating its viability for income diversification, especially for small farmers. Furthermore, the practice's significant environmental benefits, including enhanced soil health, erosion control, and its critical role in supplying over 93% of India's domestic timber needs while contributing to climate change mitigation goals. Finally,  key challenges to wider adoption, such as financial constraints for farmers and the long gestation period of tree crops, alongside the government schemes like the Sub-Mission on Agroforestry (SMAF) designed to overcome these barriers.