Agroforestry for Farmers
Agroforestry means growing trees on the same land as your crops, on bunds, boundaries or in rows. Fruit trees give a yearly harvest and timber trees a larger income later, while the trees improve soil, shade and water. With our programmes, agroforestry can raise farm income up to 3× compared with conventional two-crop farming.
Agroforestry in India
- India adopted a National Agroforestry Policy in 2014 to promote trees on farmland.
- The Sub-Mission on Agroforestry ("Har Medh Par Ped") supports farmers planting trees on their land.
- In 2023 the Ministry of Environment issued model rules to make it easier to fell and sell trees grown on farmland.
- ICAR-Central Agroforestry Research Institute in Jhansi researches agroforestry models for different regions.
Sources: Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare: National Agroforestry Policy, 2014; Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare: Sub-Mission on Agroforestry (Har Medh Par Ped); Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change: Model Rules for Felling of Trees in Agricultural Lands, 2023; ICAR-Central Agroforestry Research Institute, Jhansi
Which trees to grow
- Fruit trees: Mango, guava, lemon, chikoo, jackfruit and amla give a harvest every year once mature.
- Timber trees: Teak, melia dubia, mahogany and other species suited to your region, grown on bunds and boundaries.
- Multi-use trees: Moringa, neem and fodder trees for food, medicine and animal feed.
- Matched to water: Rainfed farms get drought-hardy species; irrigated farms can grow more fruit.
Why farmers choose agroforestry
- More income: Fruit and timber add to what your crops earn. Compared with conventional two-crop farming.
- Less risk: When one crop fails or prices fall, trees still earn.
- Healthier soil: Leaf litter and roots add organic matter and hold soil in place.
- Shade and water: Trees cut wind and heat, and help the soil hold water.
How to start agroforestry with us
- Register your land: Fill in a short form or ask our field team.
- Field visit: We check soil, water and crops with you.
- Tree plan: Species, number of trees and layout that fit your crops.
- Planting: Saplings and planting support; every tree geo-tagged.
- Care and training: Care checks and training on pruning, protection and harvest.
Frequently asked questions
What is agroforestry?
Growing trees together with crops or livestock on the same land, so the farm earns from both.
Which trees are best for agroforestry in India?
It depends on your region, soil and water. Common choices are fruit trees such as mango, guava, lemon and chikoo, and timber trees such as teak and melia dubia.
Will trees reduce my crop yield?
Planned well, on bunds, boundaries or in wide rows, trees leave room for crops. We plan spacing and species so your crops keep growing.
How long before trees start earning?
Many fruit trees start bearing in a few years; timber trees take longer but bring a larger income at harvest.
Is there government support for agroforestry?
Yes. India has a National Agroforestry Policy (2014) and a Sub-Mission on Agroforestry, and in 2023 model rules made it easier to fell and sell farm-grown trees.
Can agroforestry earn carbon credits?
Tree projects can earn carbon credits when they follow an approved methodology and are verified, which takes several years. In our programmes, farmers earn from fruit and timber, not from carbon credits.
