Invited Commentary | Published: 07 January 2021

Agroforestry Research in India: Major Achievements, Challenges and Way Forward

Kallappan Thangamuthu Parthiban

Indian Journal of Forestry | Volume: 43 | Issue: 1 | Page No. 25-30 | 2020
DOI: https://doi.org/10.54207/bsmps1000-2021-89F4NB | Cite this article

Abstract

Agroforestry in India has earned popularity by meeting the domestic and industrial wood requirement besides satisfying the needs of other ecosystem services. However, it’s promotion has met with numerous  challenges like lack of organizational and institutional structure coupled with marketing /consumption and technological challenges. These challenges were resolved through technological, organizational and marketing interventions. The High Yielding Short Rotation (HYSR) clones, precision silvicultural technology, multi functional agroforestry models and value addition technology resulted in establishment of over 75000 hectare of plantation during the period between 2008 and 2018 in association with paper, plywood, match wood, timber and biomass power generation industries. The conceptualization and implementation of bi, tri and quad-partite model contract farming has ensured organizational interventions and brought the agroforestry stakeholders in the value chain system. Similarly, assurance of buy back coupled with price supportive system for major farm grown trees are the major marketing interventions. The innovative research and developmental strategies have attracted all wood based industries to organized industrial agroforestry promotion and development ensuring self-reliance in raw material domain. Similarly, the tree growing farmers are attracted towards tree industrial agro forestry for its assured buy back higher productivity and profitability. This, research-based agroforestry value chain system is one of the innovative models and has excellent replication potential across the country. 

Keywords

Agroforestry, Consortium approach. HYSR clones, Technological-Interventions, Value chain system

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How to cite

Parthiban, K.T., 2020. Agroforestry Research in India: Major Achievements, Challenges and Way Forward. Indian Journal of Forestry, 43(1), pp.25-30. https://doi.org/10.54207/bsmps1000-2021-89F4NB

Publication History

Manuscript Received on 08 May 2020

Manuscript Revised on 28 June 2020

Manuscript Accepted on 01 July 2020

Manuscript Published on 07 January 2021

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