Solan: The Annual Group Meeting (AGM) of the All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) on Agroforestry concluded at Dr. Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry in Nauni. The three-day event, co-hosted by the university, AICRP Agroforestry and the Central Agroforestry Research Institute (CAFRI) in Jhansi, served as a key platform for advancing agroforestry research and implementation across India.
The meeting brought together experts from across the country to discuss critical issues surrounding the future of agroforestry. The event featured five technical sessions, each focused on distinct geographic zones, and resulted in several important recommendations aimed at improving the sector.
Discussions emphasized the vital role of agroforestry in climate change mitigation, including its potential to sequester carbon, boost biodiversity, and promote sustainable land-use practices. Experts also explored agroforestry systems designed to address specific challenges such as enhancing soil health, reclaiming degraded lands, and providing sustainable sources of fodder and organic fertilizers.
A major focus of the sessions was agroforestry’s potential for climate change adaptation. It was highlighted as a promising strategy to help communities cope with erratic weather patterns, soil degradation, and water scarcity. The need for quality planting materials, such as genetically superior and site-specific tree species, was also emphasized, with a call for better nursery accreditation to support sustainable agroforestry models.
Another key takeaway was the importance of collaboration with state agencies to facilitate the integration of agroforestry into policy frameworks. Strengthening partnerships between research institutions, government bodies, and local authorities will be essential for promoting agroforestry, ensuring financial support, incentives, and extension services for farmers.
The meeting also underlined the importance of capacity-building initiatives for various stakeholders, including farmers, researchers, and policymakers. Expanding knowledge dissemination and skill development will be critical for scaling up agroforestry practices and maximizing their environmental and economic benefits.
In the valedictory session, Vice Chancellor Prof. Rajeshwar Singh Chandel urged scientists to include ecological parameters when educating farmers on the benefits of agroforestry. He noted that this approach would better communicate the environmental advantages of agroforestry systems to stakeholders.
During the session, Prof. Chandel also presented the Best Presentation Awards to teams from TNVASU Kattupakkam and JNKVV Jabalpur.
