Crafting State-of-the-art Agroforestry for Bundelkhand using Insights from Past

Abstract

Bundelkhand, a pivotal land area in Central India, is geographically demarcated across the states of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. The 13 districts in both states share similarities in cultural and socio-economic aspects. This paper commences with a descriptive portrayal of the Bundelkhand region, delving into the agricultural scenario, which is highly influenced by rainfall patterns. The region boasts a dominant agrarian rural population, with more than 40% comprising women. Owing to the lower productivity of wheat, farm diversification has been consistently recommended. In this context, agroforestry presents a respite, fostering resilience at the farm level. Agri-silvicultural and silvipastoral systems are typically recommended for this region and are detailed alongside the traditionally prevailing agroforestry practices of the area. This review synthesizes the need for agroforestry adoption for four major reasons and its impact on the Bundelkhand region. Furthermore, it presents the constraints, problems, and motivational factors for adopting agroforestry, ultimately providing directions for the way forward