Agroforestry practices in Tamil Nadu, India - a boon for farmers for livelihood security

Agroforestry systems establish a symbiosis among agriculture crops, tree species and raising livestock on the same unit of land. In other words, these are complementary and beneficial to each other. Agroforestry is the system of developing agricultural land in combination with forestry technologies. Agroforestry practices in Tamil Nadu (TN), India, have existed since time immemorial and are evidenced in all parts of the state with less or no scientific management. Agroforestry research is a new field that is getting momentum in recent times due to popularization of industrial agroforestry. In the present context, to meet the national target of forest cover (33%) and to reduce pressure on natural forests, agroforestry plays a vital role and provides additional income to the farming community. This article aims to provide an insight into agroforestry practices in TN, including reasons for opting them, problems faced, etc. It also provides information on agroclimatic zone-wise tree species and agroforestry systems being practised by farmers, central and state government initiatives towards promotion of agroforestry, new technological interventions, etc. for the welfare of the farming community.