Agroforestry in Uttarakhand
Agroforestry in Uttarakhand is an important land-use system that integrates trees, crops, and livestock to enhance productivity, sustainability, and environmental conservation. Given the state's mountainous terrain and fragile ecosystem, agroforestry plays a crucial role in soil conservation, water retention, carbon sequestration, and biodiversity enhancement.
Key Agroforestry Models in Uttarakhand
1. Agri-Silviculture: Combines food crops with tree species like Grewia optiva (Bhimal), Ficus spp. (Peepal, Banyan), and Albizia lebbeck (Siris).
2. Agri-Horti-Silviculture: Integrates fruit trees like apple, peach, and walnut with timber species and crops.
3. Silvi-Pastoral System: Combines trees with pasture lands for fodder production, benefitting livestock farming.
4. Home Garden System: Practiced in villages, where families grow multipurpose trees, vegetables, and medicinal plants around their homes.
5. Taungya System: Practiced in forest areas where farmers cultivate crops alongside young tree plantations, benefiting from forest regeneration.
Key Tree Species Used in Agroforestry
Fodder Trees: Grewia optiva, Morus alba (Mulberry), Bauhinia variegata (Kachnar)
Timber Trees: Poplar, Teak, Deodar, Oak
Fruit Trees: Apple, Walnut, Litchi, Peach
Medicinal Plants: Aloe vera, Amla, Harad, Bael
Benefits of Agroforestry in Uttarakhand
Soil Conservation: Reduces erosion in hilly areas.
Water Retention: Enhances groundwater recharge.
Biodiversity Conservation: Provides habitat for wildlife.
Livelihood Improvement: Supports farmers with diverse income sources.
Carbon Sequestration: Helps in climate change mitigation.
Challenges in Agroforestry Adoption
Land fragmentation in hills.
Lack of awareness and technical guidance.
Market access for agroforestry products.
Wildlife conflicts affecting crops and trees.
Government & Institutional Support
National Agroforestry Policy (2014): Encourages tree-based farming.
Van Panchayats (Forest Councils): Promote community-driven agroforestry.
ICFRE & GB Pant Institute: Conduct agroforestry research and training.
Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA): Supports tree plantation projects.
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