Integration of fruit trees in agroforestry for sustainability and profitability of farming systems in arid and semi-arid regions

Number of agroforestry systems based on fruit trees are practiced in one or the other part of the country. These systems not only provide fruits but also fulfil requirement of timber, food, fuel and fodder. Besides, they also generate employment, provide nutritional security, reduce green house gas emmissions, improve soil health and provide economic stability. Fruit-based agroforestry has been proven as an important tool for crop diversification. In this article, an attempt has been made to elaborate how fruit trees have been integrated in different agroforestry systems and up to what extent these systems could fulfil the requirement of timber, food, fuel, fodder and employment generation.