NEW DELHI: In a move aimed at promoting agroforestry and easing regulations for farmers, the Union Environment Ministry has released model rules for felling trees on agricultural land. The initiative is designed to help states and union territories simplify procedures, boost rural livelihoods, and support wood-based industries such as pulp, paper, and newsprint production.
States and UTs have been urged to review and consider adopting the model rules to improve the “ease of doing business” in agroforestry and encourage farmers to incorporate trees into their farming systems without bureaucratic hurdles.
According to the ministry, agroforestry offers multiple benefits—enhancing soil health, conserving biodiversity, increasing tree cover, conserving water, supporting climate resilience, and reducing the burden on natural forests. It also opens the door for farmers to earn carbon credits and strengthens domestic timber supply chains.
“This initiative is expected to encourage wider participation and create opportunities for farmers and stakeholders to adopt sustainable agroforestry practices,” the ministry said in a statement on Sunday. “It will also help bridge the demand-supply gap in timber, support local industries with raw materials, and potentially boost exports.”
Under the model rules, farmers will need to register their plantations on the upcoming National Timber Management System (NTMS) portal. Registration will require basic information such as land ownership details, plantation location, tree species, and planting dates.
