BAKAIN (Melia azedarach L.): A PROMISING AGROFORESTRY SPECIES FOR IMPROVING LIVELIHOOD TO FARMERS OF EASTERN PLATEAU AND HILL REGION OF INDIA

Abstract

Bakain (Melia azedarach) is a fast growing species which is evident from high mean values of diameter at breast height (29.90±2.24 cm), height (9.0±2.71 m) and volume (0.63±0.09 m3 tree-1) of 10 years old trees. It produced 3.19±0.90 t ha-1 of leaves which contain 12.10±2.21 % of crude protein. Farmers can earn Rs. 600- 800 from sale of 6-8 years old tree. High carbon sequestration potential (10.72±2.11 Mg C ha-1) establishes its role in improvement of environmental health. Studies on soil properties under this agroforestry system (AFS) indicated significant increase in soil pH and electrical conductivity under ten years old tree indicating its usefulness in reclamation of acid soils. Moreover, significant decrease in available nitrogen and potassium in soil at 0-15 cm depth indicated the need for nutrient replenishment in topsoil for maintaining fertility under plantations. A method of matrix ranking of tree species, on the basis of farmers’ preference taking a set of all possible uses into consideration, was developed and ranking of 5 selected forest tree species was done. Based on ranking, bakain was found most preferred by the farmers. Hence, bakain based AFS can be recommended and promoted as an important means of livelihood improvement of native communities.