Our farmers in Jammu and Kashmir have strived very hard despite all odds and hurdles to be among the most successful farmers in the country. The success is despite the farmers having small land holdings, even below the national average. They have, however, diverse crops and have integrated animals and trees in their farming system to mitigate the problem of acute shortage of fodder, animal protein and fire wood.
Currently there is a trend of natural farming throughout the country. Agro forestry is a means towards such natural farming. Agro forestry has been a sustainable feature of the agricultural landscape of the Valley. In agro forestry, the required target for land under forestry cover is 10 percent of the cultivated land. The tree acts as ATM for the farmers who sometimes have to sell out animals at the time of dire need; similarly they can sell a mature tree. The question is, which types of trees to be planted and how to be planted so that they are beneficial and not detrimental to the crop.
We have been witnessing harsh climatic aberrations. There is less cold, rise in day temperature, scarcity of rain, decreasing levels of water, and increasing levels of smog. There need to be enough plants and trees to overcome these. Agro forestry helps boost agriculture production by improving soil health and biodiversity, especially when organic farming practices are adopted. It is a very cheap and famer-friendly method of integrated soil management and reduces human impact on land, helps develop green economy, and promotes resilient farm management.
In our conditions, poplar, willow, mulberry and Malabar Plum perform better. Malabar Plum, Java plum, and Black plum (jamun) are evergreen trees of tropical part of our agro climatic region favoured for their fruit, timber and ornamental value. Planting such trees along the roadside or on sides of the field would be beneficial. Plant them in lines and there needs to be a minimum 20 feet gap between the trees. The gap can be reduced to half should we use high density varieties. There is a linkage of plants with soil, animals, humans and climate etc. The roots make soil porous, shade provided by plants makes soil rich in earthworm population, thus making it more fertile. The use of leguminous trees for cultivation helps to fix nitrogen in the soil and prevents the use of urea. In such a way we can grow more crops and prevent floods in a natural way with zero cost.
Recently at many places there has been a practice of deciduous planting/ trees without leaf fall, which should be discouraged. The leaf fall during autumn acts as a source of organic manure for which we otherwise have to pay for. The trees after leaf fall facilitate sunlight during winters. So, along with the conventional crops we have to ensure plantation of such trees. Ensure the pruning of stray branches to make the tree shady. Until plants grow ten feet tall don’t allow goats to pass by.
There are different types of plants available for different regions in Kashmir and desserts of Ladakh etc. In plains, if the soil is irrigated we can grow euphorbia, swanjna or acacia, which act as umbrella for rain water. Care is to be exercised that the tree should be fast growing, with leaves, resistant to insects and fungi, source of fire wood or medicinal value. Neem tree (Azodractater indica) provides feed to animals and also checks their indigestion. It is also a blood purifier for humans. The Swanjna wood is weak but its leaves and fruit have medicinal value. From its leaves essential oils can be extracted for curing cold and cough.
The writer is Director Sameti, SKUAST Kashmir

Prof (Dr) Dil Mohammad Makhdoomi