The Government is cognizant that blending of farming and forestry has number of advantages.  Therefore, keeping in view the importance of Agroforestry, a land use system that integrates trees and shrubs on farmlands and rural landscapes to enhance productivity, profitability, diversity and ecosystem sustainability, natural resource management system through integration of trees on farms and in the agricultural landscape, diversifies and sustains production and builds social institutions; the Government has formulated the National Agroforestry Policy-2014. The policy envisages encouraging and expanding tree plantation in complementarity and integrated manner with crops and livestock to improve productivity, employment, income and livelihoods of rural households, especially the smallholder farmers. It also focuses on protecting and stabilizing ecosystems and promoting resilient cropping and farming systems to minimize the risk during extreme climatic events.

      As recommended in the National Agroforestry Policy; Sub-Mission on Agroforestry (SMAF) was launched in the year 2016-17 to encourage tree plantation on farm land with the aim of “Har Medh Par Ped”, along with crops/ cropping system to help the farmers get additional income. Sub-Mission on Agroforestry (SMAF) was implemented from 2016-17 to 2021-22. Presently, the restructured Agroforestry Component is being implemented under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) and focuses on Quality Planting Material. Agroforestry is known to have the potential   to mitigate the climate change effects through microclimate moderation, conservation of natural resources and creation of an additional source of livelihood and income opportunities. The scheme is implemented with objectives to encourage and expand tree plantation in a complementary and integrated manner with crops to improve productivity, additional income generation and improved livelihoods of rural households, especially the small farmers. The details of cost norms of assistance being provided are shown at Annexure –

This information was given by the Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

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