Uttar Pradesh, India’s most populous state, is facing an alarming land degradation crisis, with nearly 10.2 million hectares affected by soil erosion, salinity, and loss of fertility. The regions of Purvanchal and Avadh, which include districts like Varanasi, Gorakhpur, Azamgarh, Ayodhya, and Lucknow, have been particularly impacted due to deforestation, unsustainable agricultural practices, and climate change. According to the State of India’s Environment Report (2022), around 40% of the state’s cultivable land is degraded, leading to declining agricultural productivity by 15-25%. Additionally, groundwater depletion has become a major concern, with some areas witnessing a drop of 1.2 to 1.8 meters per year. Given that 92% of farmers in Uttar Pradesh are small and marginal landholders, declining soil fertility and erratic rainfall patterns threaten their agricultural output and economic stability.
Agroforestry has emerged as a promising solution to address the challenges of land degradation while simultaneously improving soil health, conserving water, and enhancing farmer incomes. This land-use system integrates trees, crops, and livestock on the same farmland, creating a sustainable and climate-resilient agricultural ecosystem. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), agroforestry has the potential to rehabilitate over 500 million hectares of degraded land globally. Research indicates that agroforestry can reduce soil erosion by 50%, increase organic matter by 30%, and improve nitrogen fixation, thereby enhancing soil fertility. It also plays a crucial role in water conservation, reducing evaporation rates and promoting groundwater recharge. Moreover, agroforestry contributes significantly to carbon sequestration, with Indian agroforestry systems capturing 5–9 metric tons of CO₂ per hectare annually, aiding in India’s Net-Zero 2070 goal.
Government-Led Agroforestry Programs in Uttar Pradesh
Recognizing the environmental and economic benefits of agroforestry, the Indian government has introduced several policy initiatives to promote tree-based farming. The National Agroforestry Policy (2014) and the Sub-Mission on Agroforestry (SMAF) provide financial assistance and subsidies for farmers to cultivate timber and fruit-bearing trees alongside crops. Under SMAF, farmers in Uttar Pradesh receive 50% subsidies for planting high-value trees such as Poplar, Eucalyptus, Bamboo, and Teak, which are in high demand in the timber and plywood industries. Since 2016, Uttar Pradesh has brought 1.5 lakh hectares under agroforestry, benefiting over 1 million farmers.
The Uttar Pradesh Agroforestry Mission (UPAFM) has further expanded agroforestry adoption by training over 85,000 farmers and distributing 1.8 million saplings at subsidized rates. The One District, One Product (ODOP) Scheme has also integrated agroforestry with traditional local crops. For example, in Varanasi, betel leaf (Banarasi Pan) cultivation thrives under shade trees, while in Lucknow and Malihabad, mango orchards intercropped with nitrogen-fixing trees have boosted fruit production. As part of the Uttar Pradesh Tree Plantation Initiative (2019-2023), over 100 million trees have been planted, contributing to land restoration and biodiversity conservation.
Private and NGO-Led Agroforestry Interventions
In addition to government initiatives, private sector engagement and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have played a critical role in advancing agroforestry in Uttar Pradesh. Tata Trusts and Collectives for Integrated Livelihood Initiatives (CInI) have implemented large-scale agroforestry projects in eastern Uttar Pradesh, distributing 1.2 million saplings and training 15,000 farmers in sustainable land restoration techniques.
The ICAR-Central Agroforestry Research Institute (CAFRI), Jhansi, has introduced research-backed agroforestry models such as Poplar-Wheat, Bamboo-Pulses, and Teak-Mustard, which have increased land productivity by 35-50%. The Himalayan Environmental Studies & Conservation Organization (HESCO) has focused on agroforestry-based watershed management in the Gangetic Plains, restoring over 5,000 hectares of degraded land.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives have also contributed to agroforestry expansion. Companies like ITC Limited and Hindustan Unilever have partnered with farmer groups to promote commercially valuable agroforestry species like Bamboo and medicinal plants, ensuring better market linkages and fair pricing for farmers.
Case Studies: Successful Models in Uttar Pradesh
The benefits of agroforestry are evident in several regions of Uttar Pradesh. In Saharanpur, farmers once struggling with declining wheat yields adopted a Poplar-Wheat agroforestry system, resulting in a 40% increase in farm income, a 30% increase in wheat productivity, and improved soil fertility.
In Chandauli and Mirzapur, over 5,000 farmers have transitioned to Bamboo-based agroforestry, which provides a stable year-round income due to its high demand in the construction and handicraft industries. Additionally, in Varanasi and Azamgarh, integrating Mango and Guava orchards with pulses and vegetables has increased farmer earnings by 50%, while also helping to preserve indigenous fruit varieties and reduce climate-related crop failures.
Despite its proven benefits, agroforestry adoption faces several challenges in Uttar Pradesh. Limited awareness among farmers regarding suitable tree-crop combinations and long-term benefits prevents large-scale implementation. Delayed subsidy disbursements under SMAF and UPAFM schemes also hinder rapid expansion. Furthermore, market uncertainty poses a significant challenge, as farmers often struggle to sell timber and non-timber agroforestry products at fair prices.
Scaling Up Agroforestry in Uttar Pradesh
To overcome these challenges, digital training platforms should be developed to provide farmers with real-time climate data, crop advisories, and market prices. Policy reforms must be introduced to simplify timber trade regulations, ensuring that farmers can sell agroforestry products without unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles. Expanding Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) can encourage agribusiness companies to invest in agroforestry supply chains, ensuring better pricing and stable incomes for farmers.
Additionally, investment in climate-resilient agroforestry research is essential. Collaborations between ICAR, state agricultural universities, and research institutes can help develop drought-resistant agroforestry models tailored to the specific soil and climate conditions of Uttar Pradesh. With the right combination of policy support, scientific research, and community participation, agroforestry can become a transformative force in restoring degraded lands while securing economic stability for millions of farmers.
Conclusion
Agroforestry is proving to be a game-changer for land restoration in Purvanchal and Avadh, offering a balance between economic growth and environmental conservation. By integrating trees with traditional farming systems, farmers are revitalizing degraded land, increasing incomes, and enhancing climate resilience. With strong policy implementation, scientific innovation, and grassroots participation, Uttar Pradesh has the potential to emerge as a national leader in agroforestry-driven rural development. The future of agriculture in Purvanchal and Avadh is greener, more productive, and more sustainable.
