The “National Agroforestry Policy” in India is one program that tries to promote agroforestry and offer funding for tree planting on farmlands. I can give you information about the National Agroforestry Policy based on its goals and usual elements, even if my understanding is limited and my knowledge cutoff is in September 2021, and there may have been updates or new efforts after then.
Promoting Agroforestry Systems: The goal of the strategy is to encourage the development of agroforestry systems, which entail the purposeful blending of trees with agricultural fields. In order to gain various benefits, including improved soil health, increased biodiversity, climatic resilience, and increased farm output, it encourages farmers to plant trees next to their crops or in specified patterns.
Enhancing Carbon Sequestration: Agroforestry is essential for reducing carbon emissions, preventing climate change, and encouraging environmentally friendly land management techniques. To increase carbon sequestration and help national and international climate change goals, the program encourages planting trees on farmlands.
Diversifying Income Sources: Through the sale of lumber, fruits, nuts, fodder, and other tree planting on farmlands, agroforestry systems give farmers access to new revenue streams.
Agroforestry methods aid in preventing soil erosion, enhancing water retention, and efficiently managing available water supplies. The strategy encourages planting trees with extensive root systems because they help to stabilize the soil, stop nutrients from draining, and improve water penetration.
