Regulatory Framework for Promoting Agroforestry

Syllabus: GS2/ Governance, GS3/ Environment

Context

• The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has issued the ‘Model Rules for Felling of Trees in Agricultural Lands’, with the objective of supporting States and Union Territories in simplifying regulatory frameworks and promoting agroforestry.

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.  

Benefits of Agroforestry

• Agroforestry systems act as carbon sinks, reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
• Trees can provide shade, windbreaks, and microclimate regulation, which benefit crops by reducing stress from extreme weather conditions.
• Tree roots absorb excess water during heavy rains, reducing flooding, while also improving groundwater recharge. 
• It provides a range of non-timber forest products such as fruits, nuts, and medicinal plants, which can contribute to food security and income generation.

Agroforestry in India

• The area under agroforestry in India covers about 8.65% of India’s total geographical area.
  • About 56% of India is covered by farmland and 20% by forest. 
• The highest concentration is in the states of Uttar Pradesh (1.86 million ha), followed by Maharashtra (1.61 million ha), Rajasthan (1.55 million ha) and Andhra Pradesh (1.17 million ha). 

Model Rules for Felling of Trees in Agricultural Lands

• The rules are recommendatory in nature and have been issued to guide States and UT in formulating their own regulations.
• A State-Level Committee, as provided under the Wood-Based Industries (Establishment and Regulation) Guidelines, 2016, is to be tasked with;
  • Oversight of agroforestry operations including plantation registration and tree felling procedures,
  • Empanelment and regulation of verifying agencies that will inspect and validate the plantation data,
  • Promotion of timber production from farmland and development of market linkages.
• Applicants are required to register their plantations on the National Timber Management System (NTMS) portal.
• Simplified Procedure for Felling Trees:
  • For Less Than 10 Trees: The applicant needs to upload clear photos of each tree on the NTMS portal. Based on the input, an automatic No Objection Certificate (NOC) for tree felling will be generated via the portal.
  • For More Than 10 Trees: The applicant must submit an online application through the NTMS portal. A verifying agency, empanelled by the state committee, will conduct a field inspection. Upon validation, a felling permit in prescribed format will be generated on the NTMS.

Government Initiatives for the Promotion of Agroforestry

• National Agroforestry Policy (NAP): The Government formulated the National Agroforestry Policy in 2014 to promote agroforestry as a sustainable land use system.
  • The policy aims to increase the area under agroforestry, enhance productivity, and improve the livelihoods of farmers.
• Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY): This scheme, launched in 2015, focuses on enhancing water use efficiency in agriculture.
  • It promotes agroforestry practices such as integrated farming systems and watershed management to conserve water and improve soil health.
• National Bamboo Mission (NBM): Bamboo plays a significant role in agroforestry systems.
  • Launched in 2018 it aims to promote the cultivation of bamboo and enhance the livelihoods of bamboo-dependent communities, thus indirectly supporting agroforestry.
• Sub-Mission on Agroforestry (SMAF): Under the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA), SMAF was launched to promote agroforestry systems and provide financial support to farmers for establishing and managing agroforestry models.
• Integrated Farming System (IFS): The concept of IFS integrates various agricultural components such as crops, livestock, fishery, and agroforestry to optimize resource use, improve productivity, and enhance farm resilience.

Way Ahead

• Farmer Incentivization: Government should provide financial incentives, insurance cover, and assured buy-back mechanisms to encourage agroforestry.
• Monitoring and Transparency: Periodic audits and real-time monitoring should be enforced to prevent misuse and ensure sustainability.
• Environmental Integration: Agroforestry must be integrated with climate action plans and rural development programs to achieve broader ecological and economic goals.

Source: PIB