GUWAHATI: The Assam Cabinet has approved the Assam Agroforestry Policy, 2024, with the objective of increasing forest cover and promoting agroforestry as a core component of the agricultural ecosystem. The cabinet meeting was held on Tuesday, November 20, 2024 in Lok Sewa Bhawan, Guwahati.
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This policy is part of the state government's broader effort to mitigate climate change impacts, increase the area under Trees Outside Forests (TOF), and promote sustainable agricultural practices, boost rural economy & farmers income
Key features of the policy include:
- Strengthening the State Agroforestry Board
- Establishing Quality Planting Material (QPM) Supply Chain
- Integrate tree cultivation with prevalent agricultural practices to holistically address the relevant needs of the rural population, particularly farmers with marginal and small land holdings, and to meet the requirements of tree product-based industries. - Streamline the availability of credit and insurance particularly to farmers with marginal and small land holdings.
- Promote tree cultivation in wastelands and underutilized lands through private/public sectors.
- Foster development of a tree product and wood-based industrial ecosystem in the State and thereby, reduce dependence on the import of wood and wood products in the State and the country.
- Simplify regulatory and enabling mechanisms.
- Establishment of an Assam Agroforestry Science & Policy Council
