Assam Agroforestry Policy: Translating National Agroforestry Policy Goals Into Action

Agroforestry is a sustainable land use system where tree integration with crops and/or livestock improves the productivity and profitability of agricultural systems. Additionally, it provides numerous ecosystem goods and services that enhance the socio-economic well-being of farmers and strengthen environmental sustainability. The multiple benefits of agroforestry and the need for sustainable agricultural practices in the country inspired the Government of India to launch the National Agroforestry Policy (NAP) in 2014. NAP, with its three goals and six objectives, played a significant role in the promotion and development of the agroforestry sector at both the national and state levels. Subsequently, a few states in India also launched their state agroforestry policies. The Government of Bihar launched its state agroforestry policy in 2018, and recently, Assam has also devised its Agroforestry Policy in December 2024. The Assam State Agroforestry Policy (AAFP) aims to establish agroforestry as a sustainable land use system to enhance farmers’ income, food security, climate resilience, and trees outside forests in the state. The present article provides a comparative analysis of the effectiveness of the Assam Agroforestry Policy (AAFP) in achieving the goals and objectives outlined in the National Agroforestry Plan (NAP). Additionally, it explores the importance of regional initiatives and collaborative efforts in scaling up agroforestry practices to a national level, emphasizing the need for coordinated policies, resource mobilization, and stakeholder engagement to ensure widespread adoption and long-term sustainability.