Agroforestry Inroads from the Traditional Two-Crop Systems in Heartlands of the Indo-Gangetic Plains
The Indo-Gangetic Plains formed by the sedimentation from Himalayas are one of the most fertile regions of the world. It covers an area of 15.3 % of the country and provides shelter to about 33 % human and 35 % livestock population of the country. The reg
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Agroforestry Inroads from the Traditional Two-Crop Systems in Heartlands of the Indo-Gangetic Plains P. S. Pathak, Jagdish Chander Dagar, Rajesh Kaushal, and O. P. Chaturvedi
Abstract
The Indo-Gangetic Plains formed by the sedimentation from Himalayas are one of the most fertile regions of the world. It covers an area of 15.3 % of the country and provides shelter to about 33 % human and 35 % livestock population of the country. The region has been heavily exploited for agriculture by the indiscriminate use of high yielding varieties, fertilizers, pesticides, chemicals, etc., which has resulted in soil degradation and unsustainable use of natural resources. Declining productivity, soil quality, water table; waterlogging; and salinity have now become a major problems in this region which needs immediate attention. Agroforestry in this region has high potential to address the issues of degradation and sustainability. Recognizing the importance of agroforestry, organized research was initiated in Indo-Gangetic plains in early 1970s through industry participation in plantations of Populus deltoides. The research, however, gained momentum with the allocation of a seven coordinating center of All India Coordinated Research Project on Agroforestry (AICRP AF) by Indian Council of Agriculture Research (ICAR) in 1983. Simultaneously, other organizations like ICFRE, WIMCO, Pragati Biotechnologies, ITC, Star paper mill, etc., and some NGOs also started research in agroforestry. Joint efforts of research in last 3 decades have resulted in development of different agroforestry models. Management and cultural practices of trees and annual crops have also been standardized. Quality planting material of many tree
P. S. Pathak (&) Ex-ADG (Agroforestry) ICAR, New Delhi, 110012, India e-mail: [email protected] J. C. Dagar Krishi Anusandhan Bhawan II, ICAR, Pusa, New Delhi 110012, India R. Kaushal O. P. Chaturvedi Central Soil and Water Conservation Research and Training Institute, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248195, India J. C. Dagar et al. (eds.), Agroforestry Systems in India: Livelihood Security & Ecosystem Services, Advances in Agroforestry 10, DOI: 10.1007/978-81-322-1662-9_4, Springer India 2014
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species has been developed which has resulted in productivity enhancement and large scale adoption of agroforestry by the farmers. Agroforestry has also played a major role in the rehabilitation of lands degraded by salinization, ravines, gullies, and other water and wind erosion hazards in this region. The impact of agroforestry in this region is well recognized. Poplar and Eucalyptus based agroforestry, and agrihorticulture systems are some of the successful models which have been adopted by farmers on large scale. The present chapter is an attempt to review the progress made in agroforestry R&D during the last 3 decades. Some of key issues which are required for the development of agroforestry have also been discussed.
Introduction The Indo-Gangetic Plains (IGP) also called as The North Indian Rivers
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