Agroforestry potential and scope for development across agro-climatic zones in India

Abstract

Agroforestry has high potential for simultaneously satisfying three important objectives viz., protecting and stabilizing the ecosystems; producing a high level of output of economic goods; and improving income and basic materials to rural population. Besides, Agroforestry is capable to conserve natural resources through various systems under different Agroclimatic regions. The livelihood security through Agroforestry and its potential in meeting basic needs viz., food, fuel, fodder, and employment generation are highlighted in this article. From the perspective of different Agroclimatic zone, suitable Agroforestry systems have been compiled along with estimated investment needs for extension/development support and net returns for the same. Among the agroclimatic zones, the highest estimated investment needs are in case of Western plateau and hills (Rs. 2320 crores) followed by Western dry region (Rs. 2072 crores). A breakup of Agroforestry practices has been outlined to increase the area under Agroforestry from its current level of 7.45 million ha to 25.36 million ha by next two decades. The potential of Agroforestry in meeting the deficit of demand and supply in timber, fodder supply, bioenergy sector through tree biomass and meeting the food/fruit security has been enumerated. The direct benefits like employment generation and indirect ones like carbon sequestration and environment restoration have been emphasized in respect of various Agroforestry systems.