Centre Issues Model Rules to States/UTs to Boost Agroforestry and Ease of Doing Business

New Delhi, Jul 1 (KNN) In a major step to promote agroforestry and support ease of doing business in tree-based farming, the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has issued the Model Rules for Felling of Trees in Agricultural Lands. 

These rules are designed to help States and Union Territories (UTs) streamline regulatory procedures and encourage sustainable tree farming on farmlands.

Agroforestry combines agriculture and forestry, offering several benefits such as improved rural livelihoods, better soil health, biodiversity conservation, increased tree cover, water conservation, and enhanced climate resilience. 

The model rules aim to simplify procedures related to land registration, tree harvesting, and timber transit, thus making it easier for farmers and entrepreneurs to participate in agroforestry.

The initiative is expected to reduce pressure on natural forests by promoting domestic timber production. 

This will also help bridge the demand-supply gap, support wood-based industries with local raw materials, and strengthen export potential.

The State Level Committees, set up under the Wood-Based Industries Guidelines of 2016, will be responsible for implementing these rules. They will also empanel verifying agencies to assess applications for tree felling on agricultural land. 

Applicants must register plantations on the upcoming National Timber Management System (NTMS) portal, where they will submit land ownership details, plantation data, and geotagged photos for traceability.

Tree felling requests will be submitted online, followed by site verification. Based on the verification reports, permits will be issued. Divisional Forest Officers will monitor the verifying agencies to ensure transparency and efficiency.

The Ministry has urged all States and UTs to consider adopting the model rules to support farmers and promote environmentally sustainable agriculture.

(KNN Bureau)