Agroforestry Model for Assam

Abstract

Agroforestry is an effective land use system contributing enormously towards food, nutritional and environmental security. In more than 140 countries worldwide it has been recognized as an important tool to ensure livelihood, food, nutrition, fodder, energy as well as increased income to farmers; arresting soil degradation and to mitigate as well as adopt the adverse effects of climate change. Its relevance is increased day by day with the shrinkage of fertile land due to population explosion and acceleration of soil degradation due to intensive cultivation practices. Farmers of North East India, like any other part of the country, have the distinction of using agroforestry system in numerous forms since time immemorial. Wide variation in agro climatic, agro-ecological and socio-economic characteristics in the region gives rise to popularity of various agroforestry systems traditionally. Baree – the home garden known in the area is the most popular agroforestry system throughout the state of Assam; on the contrary, shifting cultivation is still popular in the hill districts of Assam and neighbouring hill states.