Relook agroforestry from farmer & industry perspective, says Govt

NEW DELHI: The earlier notion of agroforestry meaning only timber species needs to be relooked from farmers and industry point of view, according to Agriculture Secretary Sanjay Aggarwal.

Timber trees have a long maturity period and hence delay return to farmers. But, there are a number of rising sectors which would ensure quick return to farmers as well as fulfill industry requirements, he said in an official statement. Aggarwal further said there are multiple uses of agroforestry like providing additional income to farmers, nurseries as a means of livelihoods especially for women self help groups, green fodder, reduction in requirement of fertilisers by planting leguminous species, carbon sequestration for combating climate change, etc. Aggarwal, who spoke on agroforestry in a June 13 webinar, mentioned that the Prime Minister’s call for ‘Vocal for our Local’ is of great relevance for agroforestry too. Agroforestry could contribute to stepping up supply of raw material to industry for reducing the country’s dependence on imports in some crucial commodities, he said. According to the statement, promotion of medicinal plants is a major component of the government’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative and there is tremendous scope for convergence for organic medicinal produce. The Secretary also shared about recent reforms brought in the agriculture sector to ensure optimum remuneration to farmers, including a Rs 1.63 lakh crore outlay and ordinances to provide barrier-free trade outside notified mandis. The webinar flagged the importance of clonal planting material of the correct varieties which would also comply with industry requirements. The Central Silk Board assured that it will assist farmers who plant the range of silk host species, which on an average would start giving returns in 3-4 years and hence were ideal for agroforestry systems.