Agro Forestry scheme for farmers with the purpose of cultivating trees with other crops

Increases the income of farmer and once the crop is harvested, he gets a subsidy on the second crop

The Department of Social Forestry has implemented an agro forestry scheme for farmers with the purpose of cultivating trees in their fields along with other crops. Those days are not far away when there will be Rudraksha trees in Chhotaudepur district.

The social forestry department of Vadodara district has started cultivating seedlings in nurseries of rare species which are not prevalent in Gujarat. These trees have the diversity and income generating capacity and it is planned to be given to farmers for planting under tree cultivation.

Informing about this, Deputy Conservator of Forests Kartik Maharaja said that these rare species include sandalwood, Raktachandan, Sita Ashoka and Rudraksha which are not common in our area. Sandalwood, Raktachandan seedlings have had primary success in rearing. So there are difficulties in the cultivation of rudraksha in Vadodara district but in the nursery of Chhotaudepur district there has been a very primary but hopeful success like sprouting in the cultivation of rudraksha.

Under the leadership of Forest Department, seedlings for cultivation of various types of trees have been prepared in Vadodara and Chhotaudepur districts of the state. These seedlings are beneficial to the farmer like a golden egg. Raktachandan, Sita Ashok, sandalwood, Tulsi and Rudraksha seedlings have been planted in 11 nurseries in Vadodara and Chhotaudepur districts.

Along with this, special cultivation of its seedlings has been started at a time when palm trees, which are considered as kalpavrikshas for the tribes, are declining. Teak and bamboo are also being grown along with it.

Such high quality seedlings have been distributed to the farmers in collaboration with the Forest Department and the Panchayat for tree cultivation. Bamboo, palm and dragon fruit seedlings have been prepared in 6 nurseries in Chhotaudepur. Raktachandan, sandalwood, Sita Ashok, Tulsi and Rudraksha seedlings have been prepared in 3 nurseries of Vadodara district.

Farmers are trained by the Forest Department to increase diversity and quality in tree cultivation. To bring growth in the purpose of tree farming, the Forest Department promotes the cultivation of Malabari Neem and Sargana. The method of tree cultivation remains very beneficial for the farmer. For example, tree cultivation in some part of the land and other cultivation in another part increases the income of farmer and once the crop is harvested, the farmer gets a subsidy on the second crop.

The main purpose of tree farming is to propagate modern methods to the farmer for growth in agriculture and knowledge of the environment. This method is proving to be beneficial not only to the farmer but also to the environment, society and many others.