A comparative analysis of socio-economic viability of agroforestry in Pulwama district of Jammu & Kashmir

Agroforestry is an inter disciplinary, multi-sector approach of land use. Its prime objective is overall optimization and to protect the environment and maintain the ecological integrity. Agroforestry is primarily the technology of using perennial vegetation in combination with seasonal or perennial field crop, fodder or other crops of economic value in agriculture. In the developed agroforestry systems, there are three components i.e, the woody perennials, the agricultural crops and the animals. However in all the agroforestry systems the presence of tree component is must and it plays the dominant roles-the trees have two major roles-the productive role (fuel, fodder, food, fruit and fertilizer) and the service roles (soil and moisture conservation, wind break, shelter belts, shade etc.)

The present work assumes much significance because of the fact that agroforestry although much recognized as economically viable enterprise at the national and international level has not received much attention in our state. Kashmir, being a mountainous vale has tremendous potential for agroforestry. This study analyzed the socio-economic viability of agroforestry in Pulwama district of Jammu & Kashmir. It has been long experienced in Pulwama that land use/land cover change is taking place at a tremendous pace, since last two or three decades. This change is not everywhere ecologically, economically and environmentally viable. This study holistically analyzed the socio-economic implication of agroforestry in Pulwama district of Jammu & Kashmir.

The comparative cost and benefit analysis of agroforestry practice in the district revealed that the integrated agriculture-forestry system is more profitable than the exclusive agriculture system on account of lower input costs adjusted on agricultural plantation. Integrated agriculture-forestry farming is an economically viable, environmentally sustainable and socially acceptable farming system in the study area.