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IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF DIFFERENT AGROFORESTRY MODELSADOPTEDIN STATE OFNORTH EASTERN

M.S. Malik*1, Firoz Ahmad2, Firoz Ahmad3, Abhishek Kumar3, Abdul Qadir4 1Chairman, Department of Silviculture and Agroforestry, Faculty of Forestry, Birsa Agricultural, University, Ranchi, Jharkhand, India. 2Vindhyan Ecology and Natural History Foundation, Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh, India. 3Ph.D Scholar, Department of Silviculture and Agroforestry, Faculty of Forestry, Birsa Agricultural University, Ranchi, Jharkhand, India. 4Department of Geography, Panjab University, Chandigarh-160014, Panjab, India.

Abstract: The farming communities of North-East India are habitually dependent onJhum cultivation, NTFP and firewood collection which may results in depletion of forest resources and environmental degradation in long run. To overcome this, they have been evolved diverse agroforestry practices in harmony with the varied environmental and geographic conditionsthrough exploiting the locally adopted trees and crops.Being the most sustainable land management systems, Agroforestryhas immense potential to improve livelihood by offering multiple opportunities to farmers for improving farm production and income generation. This paper investigates the extent of agroforestry in the agricultural landscape of Tripura by using geospatial datasets under GIS platform as well as socio-economic impact assessment of nine different types of agroforestry models adopted in different districts of Tripura between 2007 to 2017througquestionnaire surveyand participatory assessment method. The GIS analysis highlights the agroforestry extent in Tripura was found to be 0.24 million hectares. Out of nine agroforestry models the Mango and Bamboo based Agroforestry model with and maize as intercrop was found to be mostcommonly practiced agroforestry model across all the districts under study. Key words: Agroforestry models, North East India, Impact assessment, Geospatial

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1. Introduction The North-East India is bestowed with diverse agroclimatic and geographical situations. The sub-tropical climate of the region is characterized by hot and humid summers, severe monsoons and mild winters. The total forest cover of the region is 170,541 sq.kmincluding hills of West Bengal, which is about 65.05 per cent of the total geographical area (FSI 2019), and the remaining land is either underagricultural or non-agricultural uses or fallow land. The major threat to this region is continuous depletion of the forest cover due to shifting cultivation and firewood collection resulting in poor soil health and environmental degradation. To overcome these problems, the farmers have evolved various types of agronomic practices in harmony with the varied environmental and geographic conditionsthrough major and minor adjustments in land use strategies. These practices are mostly sustainable from ecological point of view also (Dash and Mishra, 2001). Agroforestry, has been evolved as one of the most sustainable land management system in this region since the ages through exploiting the locally adopted trees and crops. It has immense potential to improve livelihood by offering multiple opportunities to farmers to improve farm production and income generation. Apart from its productive role, the system also provides protection to the ecosystems viz., biological diversity, healthy ecosystems, conservation of soil and water resources, terrestrial carbon storage etc.It exhibits great diversity in composition of its componentand incorporates the variety of plants,animals, and microorganisms, combined together to derive key functions of the agro-ecosystem. The science of Agroforestry combines the best attributes of forestry and agriculture is now recognized widely as an applied science and is instrumental in assuring food security, reducing poverty and enhancing ecosystem resilience. (Sharma et al. 2007). The farming communities of North- EasternHimalayan regions have adopted diverse agroforestry systems as their land use. Environmental, biological, socio-cultural and economic variation existing in this region have led to the evolution of diverse and unique traditional agroforestry systems, encompassing different crop species and livestock, which facilitate the traditional mountain farming societies to sustain themselves. Appropriate agroforestry systems have the potential to check soil erosion, maintain soil organic matter and physical characteristics, augment nitrogen buildup through nitrogen fixing trees and promote efficient nutrient cycling (Patiram et al. 2003). These systems have today become an established approach of integrated land management system not only for renewable resource production but also for ecological consideration (Saha et al. 2012). The geospatial technology and online free datasets have become boon these days and can be significantly used in various disciplines including

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agroforestry mapping (Zomer et al. 2016).The objectives of the study are to understand the extent of agroforestry in the agricultural landscape of Tripura through utilizing a geospatial database under the GIS platform and to assess the impact of nine different types of agroforestry modelsadopted in different districts of Tripura between 2007 to 2017, which enhanced the economic condition of rural people dependent on forest and their products.

2. Material and Methods: The study area is located in Tripura, the third smallest state of India, in its North Eastern region, in between latitudes 22056’ N and 24032’ N and longitudes 91009’E and 92020’E. The state has a total area of 10,491.69 km2 with a population density of 350/km2 (Census of India, 2011). More than 42% of the population of Tripura depends on agriculture and alliedactivities. Extensive surveys were made during different seasons in different parts of the study area.Nine models of agroforestry plantations were undertaken in 8753.64 ha land by the members of JFMC (Joint Forest Management Committee).Models were selected as per the agroclimatic conditions, site suitability and the market demand. To meet the objectives of the study as per the defined scope of work,using the state boundary map of Tripura downloaded from DIVA-GIS (http://www.diva-gis.org/Data). The data on percent tree cover in agriculture land for the year 2000 were obtained from Zomer et al. (2016) and clipped with state boundary. The agroforestry dominance at the landscape level was defined the first time “the tree cover (TC) of greater than 10% on agricultural land” by Zomer et al. (2009) to evaluate the extent of agroforestry. Here we have used the same definition to evaluate the extent of agroforestry in the state of Tripura.A combination of quantitative and qualitative methods wasusedto capture the insights and data on levels of adoption of different Agroforestry models and their socio-economic impact through participatory assessment methods, semi-structured and structured questionnaire survey methods, case study analysis, document reviews and direct observation method by involving multidisciplinary research approach.Physical verification of the agroforestry field was made to understand their potential impact on the villagers and farming communities. Data on potential impact of Agroforestry were collected from the sample plots selected on a random basis based on structured questionnaire survey.Sample size was finalized upon discussion with the client, and altogether 132 samples representing villagers, farmers and end users. At the first stage, purposive sampling was carried out to identify the Jhum cultivators,NTFP collectors and artisans. It was followed by identification of the respondents, followed by the

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stratified random sampling method. Household data was also collected depending on the availability of the members during the visit of the survey team.

3. Result and Discussion The total agroforestry area in Tripura state of India is found to be 0.24 million hectares (Figure 1). The tree cover (TC) dominance categories within the agriculture landscape (considering the agriculture landscape as 100%) are tree scattered (TC: ≤ 10%), agroforestry with low dominance of tree cover (TC: 11%-20%), agroforestry with medium dominance of tree cover (TC: 21%-30%) and agroforestry with high dominance of tree cover (TC: >30%) are found 12%, 10%, 9%, and 69% respectively. The reason for high tree dominance is due to intensive agroforestry practices with different agroforestry models mixing purposefully with several home gardens (Saikia et al. 2012; Sahoo 2007). The study of Ahmad et al. (2019) also supported the high land potentiality towardsagroforestry in Tripura.

Figure1: Tree covers dominance in agriculture landscape of Tripura

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People had started earning from the agroforestry areas through harvesting of agriculture and horticulture intercrops. In some cases, people had also introduced new crops based on the land suitability and market demand. Besides, it is also helping in checking soil erosion and retention of soil moisture through soil cover. Theintroduction of different agroforestry models in the area had brought new livelihood options for the patta holders, wherein 40.17% of the patta holders among the respondents used the land for agroforestry purposes. Among the agroforestry users studied, 24.9% were women. The survival of the plantations and its maintenance were challenging in the areas located away from the village. It is also found that people had expectation that intercrops will be replanted by the project after harvesting. With suchdependence and the presence of other intervention agencies with offer for free inputs people may convert the land for some other use in future.The different types of agroforestry models, implemented in the study area with their main crop and intercropis given in the Table 1. Table1. Types of Agroforestry Models implemented in the study area

Model Main Crop Intermediate Crop Model 1 Bamboo and Jackfruit Pineapple and Maize Model 2 Gamai and Lemon Arhar and Ginger Model 3 Arecanut, Bamboo and Sesame Maize and Black peeper Model 4 Acacia and Litchi Lemon, Maize and Turmeric Model 5 Teak and Jackfruit Maize and Ginger Model 6 Mango and Bamboo Pineapple and Maize Model 7 Arecanut and Agar Black pepper and Turmeric Model 8 Banana and Acacia Turmeric Model 9 Orange Papaya and Turmeric

Different types of agroforestry models were introduced in different districts depending on the agroclimatic conditions, suitability of land and preference of the community members. Model No 6 was mostly introduced across all the districts, followed by Models 3, 8 and 4.(Table 2).The models were first introduced as demonstration plot in different districts depending on the agroclimatic conditions, suitability of land and preference of the community members. (Table 3).

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Table 2. Agroforestry models and their numberin different parts of the study area

District Model Model Model Model Model Model Model Model Model 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Gomti 4 12 64 5 5 217 1 73 4 14 47 25 50 16 38 24 16 3 North 5 0 50 0 0 72 7 6 0 Sipahijola 19 5 17 23 21 41 1 14 0 South 0 14 0 0 0 190 0 55 0 Unakoti 2 0 66 2 0 61 0 20 0 West 2 8 9 31 38 12 1 2 2 Total 46 86 231 111 80 631 34 186 9

Table 3. Number of demonstration plots of different Agroforestry models in different parts of the study area

Model Gomti Khowai North Sipahijola South Unakot West No. i Model 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 Model 2 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 Model 3 7 0 1 0 1 0 4 Model 4 0 3 1 0 0 2 0 Model 5 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 Model 6 14 2 1 11 3 0 2 Model 7 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 Model 8 5 1 0 5 0 0 1 Model 9 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 Total 29 12 4 16 4 3 8

The agroforestry plantations were also raised by the JLG (Joint Liability Group) members, and studied the plantation by involving a total of 638 people wereinvolved in the plantation studied. The adoption rates of different models indicate that Model 6 was mostly preferable, followed by Model 3 (Table 4). It is encouraging to note that among the users,

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159 members were female, which constituted24.9% of the total beneficiaries. The adoption rate indicates Model 6 was mostly preferable followed by Model 8 by the women (Table 5).

Table 4.Number of JLG members practicing different models in the sample JFMCs

Model No. Gomti Khowai Sipahijola South North West Unakoti Model 1 0 10 0 0 0 0 10 Model 2 0 21 0 0 0 0 0 Model 3 53 0 5 0 5 10 43 Model 4 0 13 2 0 0 20 0 Model 5 12 0 4 0 0 5 0 Model 6 104 10 3 70 32 64 18 Model 7 17 27 0 0 0 0 0 Model 8 37 4 0 21 0 0 7 Model 9 11 0 0 0 0 0 0 Total 234 85 14 91 37 99 78

Table5. Number of women practicing agroforestry

Model Gomti Khowai Sipahijola South North West Unakoti No. Model 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Model 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 Model 3 6 0 1 0 0 0 2 Model 4 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 Model 5 6 0 0 0 0 2 0 Model 6 39 1 0 36 2 4 1 Model 7 5 3 0 0 0 0 0 Model 8 29 4 0 17 0 0 0 Model 9 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 Total 82 12 1 53 2 6 3

Introduction of new crops in different Agroforestry models at different sites:

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Based on the suitability of land, market demand and profitability, people introduced some new crops in the different model. In Dhaneswar para, people introduced Acacias and Banana in Model 6. In Model 3 plantation at Gomoti,Kator and Khabaksa, new crops of Pineapple and Banana were introduced for better economic return. In Nabachandrapara, Turmeric was introduced as a new crop to Model 6 plantation and people gained huge profits. Survival of plants and intercrops in Model 6 plantations was found to be 80% in Ampi,Twichakma andKhabaksa, whereas 75% in ChandukTwisa and 70% in Dhaneswar para.The survival of Model 3 plantations was around 50% inGomoti,Kator and Harisadhan para. Economic benefits in most of the cases, people earned income from the intercrops. Agroforestry plantation in Nelsi JFMC under Ampiwas raised with Bamboo, Mango and Pineapple in 10 ha of patta land. Ten members of JLG had planted 60 Arecanut plants, around 50 Orange plants and intercrop of Arhar. They have been harvesting pineapple for the last three years and have earned a handsome amount of INR 8,59,000. The area of plantation is about 5 kmaway from the village and was extremely inaccessible. As a result, it was difficult for them to maintain the plantation. They were provided with 300 bus tiresthat act as pavements to the field. The JLG members have also built two small rooms to look after the site. In Twichakma, 10 members in the JLG earned a profit of INR 1,50,000 from harvesting ofPineapple from Model 6. People were getting returns from harvesting of intercrops also in ChandukTwisa from Model 6 plantation members earned INR 6000 through harvesting of maize. Similarly, in Dhaneswarpara, the earning was INR 2250 from harvesting of maize. In Khabaksa, five members were there in the JLG who earned INR 1,20,000 through harvestingof Pineapple in Model 6 plantation. In Lebacharamukh, two members in the JLG earned INR 15,000 per year through harvesting of pineapple. In Upajati colony, 17 members in the JLG earned INR 75,000 per year from turmeric as an intercrop in Model 3. It is heartening to note that 17 JLG members of Nabachandraparaearned INR 1,32,860 per year from harvesting turmeric as an intercrop. Four JLG members in Yaprithansa earned INR 60,000 from harvesting maize. In Harisadhan Para, people introduced new crop like Pineapple in Model 3 and earned INR 5600 through harvesting Pineapple. In Khasrang JFMC, under Ampi, agroforestry Model 6 was introduced in 10 ha of land in 2014–2015. There were 10 beneficiaries, out of which six were women. All of them belong to Reang, the primitive tribal community. The land was lying vacant without any use. They sold as well as sucker at the rate of Rs 10 to15 per piece for the Pineapple

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and Rs 1 per piece for the sucker. In the year 2017 each member earned more than INR 50,000 per head. In North Sangang JFMC, they earned INR 75,000 in a year by selling turmeric. Apart from the JLG members, among the respondents of the JFMC households who practiced agroforestry in the patta land also shared that they started earning economic returns from the agroforestry plantation. It is encouraging to note that the JLG members started earning income from the agroforestry plots within a short span of time.

Overall impact of agroforestry in the study area: Impact on checking soil erosion and improving soil moisture Agroforestry not only emerged as an alternative livelihood option for the people, but also was providing a host of other ecological benefits like checking soil erosion and also aiding soil moisture conservation.The patta lands were generally located in the tilla land that was prone to soil erosion. Thesewere degraded forestlands without tree cover, which further accelerated soil erosion. Thelands were marginal in nature and normally were not suitable for agriculture crops. These marginal land areas were rightfully targeted to introduce agroforestry practices.Through agroforestry,the landwas covered, soil erosion checked and sharedby the villagers of Dhaneswar para.In Yaprithansa EDC (Eco Development Committee), agroforestry was practiced near theriver banks to check landslide and soil erosion. Augmenting biodiversity of birds through creation of micro-habitats It has helped in creation of micro-habitats for birds and pollinators. It was mentioned by the villagers as well as the forest field staff that birds were coming to the agroforestry sites as they were full of fruit plants. It was shared by the field staff during the FGD (Focus Group Discussion)that, as compared to monoculture rubber plantation, birds were found more in agroforestry sites. In ShomporiBodol, they mentioned that Dhanesh birds had started coming to the plots. In almost all of the JFMCs, people reported in increased of sighting of birds. Natural regeneration and introduction of species It was mentioned by the villagers and field staff that in the agroforestry areas, and itsperipheries,natural regeneration was observed, along with the introduction of new species.Like in ShomporiBodol, muli bamboo started growing on the slope and so was Kadam. Drive to shift from Jhum cultivation Agroforestry emerged as a viable livelihood option for the Jhum cultivators. In ShomporiBodol, agroforestry Model 8 was initiated in 5 ha of land with five beneficiaries.

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This land wasearlier used for Jhum cultivation. Then, people startedpracticing agroforestry on the land and also planted Acacias in the periphery of the land; in addition to that, they introduced papaya inthe model. They earned good income from selling the banana and papaya. 4. Conclusion: In this study, we have used the geospatial technology and in situ questionnaire survey methods to understand the agroforestry extent and best-practiced agroforestry models of the state of Tripura. It can be clearly said that agroforestry has the potential for developing sustainable land-usepractices in the state, especially in the degraded and marginal land areas. Some encouraging examples were observed through the introduction of agroforestry plantation in the patta land.However, in many cases it was found that people have expectation that the intercrops would be replanted after harvesting. The maintenance of the plots that were situated awayfrom the village was not done properly in some cases. There were number of options beingpromoted inthe village by other departments also and the landholders mayshift to differentform of land uses depending upon the inputs provided and profits perceivedin future. References:

Ahmad, F., Uddin, M.M. andGoparaju, L. (2019) Agroforestry suitability mapping of India: geospatial approach based on FAO guidelines. Agroforest Syst.,93: 1319– 1336 .https://doi.org/10.1007/s10457-018-0233-7

Dash, S.S. and Mishra M.K. (2001) Studies on hill agro-ecosystems of three tribal villages on the Eastern Ghats of Orissa, India. Agriculture Ecosystem and Environment, 86:287-302

Patiram, Avasthe R.K. andBhadauria S.B.S. (2003) Sustainable land use planning for the Sikkim Himalayas - perspectives and options. ENVIS Bulletin:Himalayan Ecology11(2): 1-12.

Saha, R., Chaudhary, R.S. and Somasundram, J. (2012) Soil Health Management under Hill Agro-ecosystem of North-East India.Applied and Environmental Soil Science, ID 696174. Doi:10.1155/2012/696174; 9p.

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Sahoo, U.K. (2007). Agroforestry systems and practices prevailing in Mizoram. In Puri, S. and Panwar, P. (eds). Agroforestry Systems and Practices. New India Publishing Agency, New Delhi, pp.367-383.

Saikia, P., Choudhury, B.I. and Khan, M.L. (2012). Floristic composition and plant utilization pattern in homegardens of Upper Assam, India. Tropical Ecology, 53:105–118.

Sharma, R., Jianchu, Xu. and Sharma, G. (2007) Traditional agroforestry in the eastern Himalayan region: Land management system supporting ecosystem services. Tropical Ecology,48(2): 189-200.

State of Forest Reports (2019) Forest Survey of India, MoEF, GOI, Dehradun, India.

Zomer, R.J., Neufeldt, H., Xu, J., Ahrends, A., Bossio, D.A., Trabucco, A., van Noordwijk, M., and Wang, M. (2016). Global Tree Cover and Biomass Carbon on Agricultural Land: The contribution of agroforestry to global and national carbon budgets. Scientific Reports, 6: 29987. https://doi.org/10.1038/srep29987

Zomer, R.J., Trabucco, A., Coe, R., and Place. F. (2009). Trees on Farm: Analysis of Global Extent and Geographical Patterns of Agroforestry.ICRAF Working Paper no. 89. Nairobi, Kenya: World Agroforestry Centre.http://www.worldagroforestry.org/downloads/Publications/PDFs/WP1626 3.PDF.

Acknowledgements:

Authors gratefully acknowledged the Tripura Forest Department, Gandhigram, , Tripura, 799012 for encouragement and Support throughout the study periods.

*Correspondence to: Dr.M.S. Malik, Ph.D. University Professor-cum-Chief Scientist. Department of Silviculture and Agroforestry, Faculty of Forestry, Birsa Agricultural University, Ranchi 834006, Jharkhand, India.

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