Agroforestry: A Sustainable, Multifunctional and Diversified Production System for Hot Arid Zone of India

Abstract

An Indian arid region with extreme and harsh weather conditions is the highly populated arid regions in the world (127 person km-2). People living in the arid regions practice the mixed farming combining rain-fed cropping, livestock rearing and other income generating activities to sustain their livelihood. Agroforestry is traditionally practiced by people of arid areas as failure of crops due to drought is unavoidable. Improved agroforestry systems developed accompanied by traditional agroforestry practices will play a pivotal role in sustaining the livelihood of people living in arid zone. About 0.84 m ha area of Rajasthan is under agroforestry as reported by Forest Survey of India. In agroforestry, components like trees, crops and livestock are to be integrated in such a way that their interaction complements each other. Research should be focus to develop the agroforestry systems based on the available components so that sustainable production can be achieved without harnessing the resources. Due to heavy pressure for food, fodder and fuel wood in the area, a constant cycle of production and harvest of tree products has to be maintained for sustainable livelihood of farmers.