Trees are integral to our traditional farming systems, for the innumerable benefits that they provide. However, over time, with shrinking land holdings, annual crops replaced trees for various reasons. Trees complement farming in terms of manure, fodder and fuel needs of the farmer. They form the backbone for practicing integrated farming systems which is necessary for self reliant and sustainable agriculture. With the climate change impacts being already felt, including trees in farming becomes more crucial than ever before. Also, trees considered as carbon sinks, are one of the well known ways of reducing the global warming effects. In this issue we present experiences where farmers have integrated and practiced tree based farming, reaping rich benefits, individually and for the community as well.
We are happy with the feedback we are receiving through web on the utility of the magazine. Also, we would be grateful to readers sharing how a particular experience they read has inspired them to practice something better.
Trees for improving farm productivity
Narayan G Hegde
Agroforestry for ecological and economic benefits
R K Maikhuri and Vikram S Negi
Kerala Home Gardens, Nurturing biodiversity
Allan Thomas, S Bhaskaran, Sajan Kurien and
Usha C Thomas
Integrating multi-purpose trees for improving soil health
M Ashok Kumar
“We know what to do” – Interview
Mireille Vermeulen
Fodder banks, Relieving women from drudgery
Shalini Misra, R.K. Maikhuri and Deepak Dhyani
Farmers Diary, Small-scale organic farming
Dinesh Panday
Payments or rewards?
Farmers benefit by providing environmental services
Godfrey Mwaloma
Tree Service should not be Free Service
K V S Krishna
The Narayana Reddy Column
Trees, the living assets to farmers
Wadi, the tree based farming model
B V Sherkar and R C Kote
S Rama