The article, “ >For a tree on every field boundary ” (Oct. 16), sheds light on the importance of tree-based farming in mitigating greenhouse gases and climate change for which solutions are being widely debated on the world stage. It will be a win-win situation for every person who is involved in agroforestry as it has multidimensional benefits. The burden cannot rest entirely on the farmer for taking up agroforestry as it involves an element of risk; farmers in India already face a grim situation due to various factors. While taking up agroforestry, a farmer needs technological support, access to credit, political support and, primarily, the support of his community.
India has a meagre percentage of land area with tree cover (as different from forest cover) which should be increased. Agroforestry would be a simple and innovative way to deal with the problems arising due to anthropogenic activities and unforeseen weather events.
Balaji Akiri,
Hyderabad
