NITI Aayog has launched the ‘Greening and Restoration of Wasteland with Agroforestry’ (GROW) report and portal
Greening and Restoration of Wasteland with Agroforestry’ (GROW) report and portal: The NITI Aayog initiated the ‘Greening and Restoration of Wasteland with Agroforestry’ (GROW) initiative, with the the launch of the GROW report and portal, represents a significant step towards addressing environmental challenges in India. Through the use of remote sensing and GIS technology, GROW will assesses the suitability of agroforestry across all districts of the country. The goal of the initiative is ambitious yet crucial: to restore 26 million hectares of degraded land by the year 2030 while simultaneously establishing an additional carbon sink.
Greening and Restoration of Wasteland with Agroforestry Report
Greening and Restoration of Wasteland with Agroforestry Report
Greening and Restoration of Wasteland with Agroforestry Report by NITI Aayog outlines the significance of agroforestry as an agroecological land use system that can address various ecological challenges while promoting food security, energy, and employment.The report highlights India’s pioneering role in formulating the National Agroforestry Policy in 2014, emphasizing the importance of integrating trees, crops, and livestock to improve soil quality and vegetation cover.
Key Finding of The Greening and Restoration of Wasteland with Agroforestry Report
- National Agroforestry Policy: India introduced the National Agroforestry Policy in 2014, focusing on enhancing productivity, profitability, diversity, and ecosystem sustainability.
- Agroforestry Definition and Importance: Agroforestry is a land use system that integrates trees, crops, and/or livestock. It addresses ecological challenges and provides food, nutrition, energy, employment, and environmental security.
- Global Recognition and Significance: Agroforestry practices have gained global recognition for their socio-economic and ecological benefits. They align with national and international commitments such as the Paris Agreement, Bonn Challenge, and UN Sustainable Development Goals.
- Wasteland Assessment in India: India has approximately 55.76 million hectares of wastelands, accounting for 16.96% of the total geographical area. These lands are under-utilized or deteriorating due to a lack of proper management.
- Geospatial Technology Application: Geospatial technologies, including remote sensing and GIS, have been effectively used to map wastelands and assess their suitability for agroforestry interventions.
- Agroforestry Suitability Index (ASI): The report developed the ASI to prioritize wastelands suitable for greening with agroforestry. It involved a national-level overlay analysis using multi-thematic datasets.
- Area Prioritization for Agroforestry: The analysis identified 2,07,455.37 sq.km as “highly suitable” and 1,62,372.33 sq.km as “moderately suitable” for agroforestry. States like Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra have significant areas suitable for greening.
- Launch of GROW Portal: To facilitate stakeholder access, the GROW portal was launched, providing state and district-level datasets on agroforestry suitability mapping.
- Benefits of Agroforestry Expansion: Expanding agroforestry can lead to multiple benefits, including land degradation neutrality, carbon sequestration, and the creation of additional carbon sinks.
- Policy Implications and Restoration Goals: The report supports national commitments to restore 26 million hectares of degraded land by 2030 and emphasizes the role of agroforestry in achieving sustainability targets.
What is the National Agroforestry Policy?
The National Agroforestry Policy was introduced by India in 2014, focusing on enhancing productivity, profitability, diversity, and ecosystem sustainability in agroforestry practices.
What is agroforestry and why is it important?
Agroforestry is a land use system that integrates trees, crops, and/or livestock. It addresses ecological challenges and provides food, nutrition, energy, employment, and environmental security.
What are the key findings of the GROW report?
The GROW report identifies significant areas of wastelands suitable for agroforestry across India, highlights the importance of geospatial technology in land assessment, and emphasizes the benefits of agroforestry expansion for sustainability goals.
