Syllabus GS 3: Environment and Agriculture
Context:
Recently, the Central government has introduced model rules to support agroforestry.
More on the news:
- The guidelines were introduced to address the absence of clear and consistent rules for felling trees on agricultural land.
- The aim is to improve farmers’ income, mitigate climate change, enhance tree cover, reduce timber imports and ensure sustainable use.
- The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has asked States and UTs to review the model rules and consider adopting them.
- This is to make agroforestry business easier and encourage farmers to grow trees without unnecessary procedures.
Key takeaways from the model rules:
- The rules are advisory and meant to help States and UTs create their own regulations.
- A State-Level Committee will be established under the Wood-Based Industries Guidelines, 2016.
What is Agroforestry
- Agroforestry is a combination of practising agriculture and forestry together on the same unit of land.
- Agroforest trees in India are remnant trees from forests cleared for agricultural use, offer shade, soil fertilization and other benefits to the land.
- The main functions of the committee
- To oversee agroforestry activities
- manage verifying agencies
- promote timber farming
- Improve market connections.
- Applicants must register their plantations on the National Timber Management System (NTMS) portal.
- Simplified Procedure for Felling Trees:
- For Less Than 10 Trees: The applicant must upload clear photos of each tree on the NTMS portal. The system will automatically issue a No Objection Certificate (NOC).
- For More Than 10 Trees: The applicant must apply online through the NTMS portal. A state-approved verifying agency will inspect the site, and after approval, a felling permit will be issued on the portal.
Government Initiatives for Promotion of Agroforestry
- National Agroforestry Policy (2014): India was the first country to launch a national policy for agroforestry. It supports farmers to grow trees on farms and simplifies rules related to tree planting and cutting.
- Sub-Mission on Agroforestry (SMAF): This scheme gives money to farmers to plant trees, supports nurseries, and spreads awareness. It is especially helpful for small, SC/ST, and women farmers.
- Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY): This scheme promotes water-saving farming. It includes agroforestry practices to improve soil and water use through integrated farming and watershed development.
Agroforestry in India
- Coverage: 8.65% of India’s geographical area (approx. 28.42 million hectares).
- Land Use: 56% farmland and 20% forest land.
- Top States by Agroforestry Area:
- Uttar Pradesh – 1.86 million ha
- Maharashtra – 1.61 million ha
- Rajasthan – 1.55 million ha
- National Bamboo Mission (NBM): It helps farmers grow bamboo, which is a useful tree in agroforestry. It also supports people who depend on bamboo for their income.
- Integrated Farming System (IFS): This system combines crops, animals, and trees on the same farm. It improves productivity, reduces risk, and helps farmers earn more.
- NITI Aayog’s GROW Initiative (2024): This program uses satellite mapping to find the best lands for agroforestry and restore degraded lands with trees.
Mains Question
Discuss the significance of agroforestry in India in the context of sustainable agriculture and climate change mitigation. Highlight recent policy initiatives and examine the challenges in large-scale adoption of agroforestry practices. (15M, 250W)
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