Findings, based on satellite imagery analysis by researchers at the University of Copenhagen (Denmark), raise concerns about the impact on the environment and agricultural practices.
Key findings of the study
- 11% of fully grown trees in 2010-2011 were no longer visible when reviewed in 2018-2022.
- India may have lost 5.6 million full-grown trees in agricultural lands during 2019-2022.
- Several hotspot areas have lost up to 50% of their large farmland trees, observed in Telangana and Maharashtra.
- Potential drivers of tree losses include climate change, alterations in cultivation practices, perception of relatively low benefits, etc.
About Agroforestry
- It is the integration of trees, crops and/or livestock on the same piece of land to enhance productivity and resilience of farms and deliver numerous vital ecological services.
- Types: Agrisilviculture (crops + trees), silvopastoral (livestock + trees), and Agrosilvopastoral (crops + pasture + trees).
Benefits of Agroforestry
- Environmental benefits: Enhanced ecosystem services such as nutrient cycling, improvement of soil microclimate, etc.
- Economic benefits: Income diversification for farmers, reduced instances of total crop failure, etc.
- Social benefits: Improvement in nutrition and health due to increased quality and diversity of food outputs, etc.
Steps taken to promote Agroforestry in India
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