HARMONY IN GROWTH: EXPLORING AGRO-FORESTRY'S ROLE IN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION IN INDIA

Abstract

This research explores the pivotal role of agro-forestry in fostering sustainable development and environmental conservation within the Indian context. Through an in-depth examination, it elucidates the intricate dynamics between agricultural practices and forestry interventions, emphasizing their collective potential in mitigating environmental degradation while enhancing rural livelihoods. The present paper focuses on the status of agro-forestry in India. The main objective of the present paper is to know the types of agro-forestry, need of agro- forestry and challenges of agro- forestry in India. This paper is basically a descriptive analysis based on secondary data source. India is a vast country with huge population pressure. Majority of the people are dependent on agriculture. Hence India needs large geographical area under agriculture. To maintain the healthy and sustainable environment India needs to increase forest cover area. The present paper finds that it is not possible to increase forest cover due to huge population pressure, but the country has the maximum scope to exhilarate greenery through agro-forestry method. This paper also finds that agro-forestry in India is running in a scattered way which is not enough as per the needs. Hence some constructive steps should be taken from the government side.