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Agro-forestry Renamed 'Tree-Based Farming' to Boost Farmer Income
24 Apr
Summary
- Agro-forestry will be renamed 'tree-based farming' to encourage integrated farming adoption.
- The change aims to increase income for small and marginal farmers through commercial tree plantation.
- New zonal conferences will be held from 2026 to strategize for regional agricultural challenges.
The Indian government is rebranding 'agro-forestry' as 'tree-based farming' to stimulate the adoption of integrated farming methods and boost farmer incomes. This initiative particularly targets small and marginal farmers, encouraging commercial tree plantation.
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan highlighted the need for integrated farming, which includes dairy, beekeeping, and fisheries, in addition to crop cultivation. He expressed concern over the indiscriminate use of chemical fertilizers, urging a balanced approach and a move towards organic and natural farming to protect soil health.
To address diverse regional needs, the government will institute five zonal agricultural conferences—east, west, north, south, and north-east—starting in 2026. This move replaces the previous biannual national meetings, allowing for strategies to be developed based on specific regional conditions.
The Minister also emphasized the importance of climate-appropriate seeds and adaptive farming techniques in the face of changing weather patterns. He urged states to formulate their agricultural roadmaps, assuring central government support through scientific institutions and experts.
