Tree cover in India can increase through agroforestry

The best chance of increasing forest cover in India is through agroforestry.

This is according to VK Bahuguna, Director General of the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE). He was speaking during the release of proceedings from the first Indian Forest Congress.

The Pioneer reports that with a largely rural-based population, millions of people in India directly depend on forests for their livelihoods, providing them with food, fodder, fuel and timber.

“Since enough forest land is not available, the concept of planting trees outside forests is the best option to increase and sustain forest cover in India,” said Bahuguna.

The Congress held in 2011 was attended by 400 participants from over 50 organizations. The proceedings will supplement already existing information on forestry science in the country and provide a roadmap for further research, especially amid increasing pressure on forests and the threat of climate change.

Read the full story: Urgent need to increase forest cover: ICFRE