We are strongly beleving that Integrated Agroforestry based cultivation (IAFC) Systam have the potential to mitigate the Climate change effects through microclimate moderation, conservation of Natural resources and creation of additional source of livelihood and income opportunities. In order to make agriculture less vulnerable to climatic aberrations, Government of India formulated the National Agroforestry Policy in 10th Feb 2014. The policy not only provides Environmental Benefits,but also Economic gains, As about 60 to 70% of the country’s Timber and Non-Timber Requirement is met from the trees grown outside forests.
The mission is focused to achieve the quantifiable benefits such as increase tree cover to enhance carbon sequestration, enrichment of soil organic matter, availability of quality planting material, improvement in livelihood, productivity enhancement of crop and cropping systems, Increasing the farmers income,Increasing the employement days for Skilled & Unskilled Agriculture workers and Service sector workers and development of an information system etc,by agro forestry model.
Below are the key factors :
1) This system is supported for due to its role in improvement in soil health, nutrient cycling.
2) This system is supported for carbon sequestration and better economic return to existing cropping systems with less use of natural resources.
3) To produce trees for timber and other commercial purposes;
4) This system to encourage farmer for mixed planting of various endemic species having multipurpose use and it shows Tree based Bio diversity in a farm land.
5) To Ensure the protection of the natural environment.
6) This system supports to the Alley Cropping.
Alley cropping means planting crops between rows of trees to provide income while the trees mature.
7) Agro Forestry based cultivation system can be designed to produce fruits, pulses,oil seeds, fodders, vegetables, grains, flowers, herbs, bioenergy , feed stocks, and more.
8) The Fruit and Forest trees are provide timber, fruit, as well as shade and shelter for livestock and their forages, reducing stress on the animals from the hot summer sun, cold winter winds, or a downpour.
9) Over 80 to 85% of farmers in India are small land-holders, owning less than two hectares or less and 60 to 65% per cent of the cultivated area; they rely on rains for irrigation. As land-holding size is shrinking, combining tree farming with agriculture is the only way to optimise farm productivity. Agro forestry intervention can be a potent instrument to help to achieve the cour per cent sustained growth in agriculture.
10). As per National Agro forestry policy 2014, Integrted Agro forestry based cultivation which generates 450 employment-days per hectare per year,”.
