Page 157 - Agroforestry system - book inner (final corrected) - 9.-3-21_Neat

National level e-symposium on “Agroforestry system for augmenting livestock
productivity and empowering resource poor rural farmers”

seed yield of 2.92 kg/tree was observed in Karanj (Pongammia pinnata). However, it is less compared to
normal land karanj trees (ie.5 kg/tree at 5 year). It may be due to the fact that ravine lands are a kind of
th
stress ecosystem coupled with intermittently drought occurrence during the experimentation. Due to impact
of half moon shaped micro catchment moisture conservation measure, the performance of Karanj species
were fetched higher biometric growth and survival performance when compared to control. In initial years,
Dicanthium annulatum species gives average yield of 6-7 tons/ha /year upto seven years after that it may
reduce due to shade effect of Karanj trees. Hence, cultivation of grass is possible up to 7/8 years for getting
average yield under inter-spaces of Pongamia pinnata on ravine humps. However, canopy management option
is not feasible frequently for oilseed species. Because seed yield directly depends on level and intensity of
branch development by trees. Similarly, expected outputs /income generated through tangible products
from this technology are self explanatory as described. a.Intangible benefits: Karanj based silvipasture may
play intangible benefits like soil conservation, soil nutrient buildup and carbon sequestration services under
ravine ecosystem, b. Benefit Cost Ratio: Considering values of direct benefits of 15 years cycle (Project life)
and 10% discount rate B: C ratio worked out at 1.32:1.
Conclusion

The best scientific land use for resource poor degraded lands is to be placing them under permanent
vegetation cover with perennial plants including fruit and forest trees along with forage grasses and energy
yielding fuelwood shrubs species. Karanj based silvipasture system gives direct income /benefits from
oilseed, oil cake, small firewood, leaf fodder, dry leaves as mulch material and green fodder grass yield as an
additional income. Apart from direct benefits, this silvipasture system might play significant role on resource
conservation and carbon sequestration service under ravine ecosystem as an ecosystem or intangible benefits.
The B: C ratio of the system is 1.32. It indicates that this technology is economically viable and ecologically
suitable for productive utilization of ravine lands. Hence, Karanj based silvipasture technology is highly
suitable for arresting ravine extension, reclamation and productive utilization of ravine lands in chambal
region. Therefore, use of multipurpose oilseed trees species are well suited to arid and semi-arid region due
to meet the twin concerns of livelihood enhancement and environmental protection - the key components for
developing these resource poor lands.
References
Chaturvedi, Om Prakash & Kaushal, R & M S Tomar, J & K Prandiyal, A and Panwar, Pankaj. (2014).
Agroforestry for Wasteland Rehabilitation: Mined, Ravine, and Degraded Watershed Areas. Springer
Seminars.doi: 10. 233-271. 10.1007/978-81-322-1662-98.
Dhyani SK, Handa AK, Uma.(2017). Area under agroforestry in India: An assessment for present status and
future perspective. Indian Journal of Agroforestry; 15(1):1-11.

138 Institute of Animal Nutrition, Centre for Animal Production Studies, TANUVAS
National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development