Categories: Current AffairsNational

Centre Unveils Model Rules to Ease Agroforestry Regulations and Boost Rural Economy

The Government of India has launched a forward-looking initiative by releasing new Model Rules to regulate the felling of trees in agricultural lands, making it easier for farmers to engage in agroforestry. With the backing of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, this move aims to remove procedural barriers, boost domestic timber production, and promote the use of digital tools like the upcoming NTMS portal for better monitoring and transparency.

In a major step towards promoting sustainable agriculture and enhancing the ease of doing business in agroforestry, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has released the ‘Model Rules for Felling of Trees in Agricultural Lands’. Aimed at simplifying regulatory procedures and encouraging tree-based farming, these model rules will assist States and Union Territories in promoting agroforestry as a viable economic and ecological solution. The initiative also introduces the upcoming National Timber Management System (NTMS) Portal, designed to streamline registrations and approvals for tree harvesting.

Why in News?

On 29th June 2025, the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change issued Model Rules to streamline regulations for tree felling in agricultural lands. The move aims to boost agroforestry, aid farmers in integrating trees with crops, and reduce dependency on natural forests. A new NTMS portal is also under development to digitally manage geo-tagged plantation data and harvesting approvals.

Objectives and Aim of the Initiative

To simplify regulatory frameworks for agroforestry and timber harvesting.
To boost rural incomes by encouraging tree cultivation on farmlands.
To balance ecological needs with economic development in rural areas.
To improve traceability, transparency, and compliance through digital platforms.

Background & Need

Agroforestry, the integration of trees and shrubs into farming systems, is crucial for,

Soil health
Water conservation
Biodiversity
Climate resilience
Farmers often faced bureaucratic hurdles in obtaining permissions for tree harvesting, discouraging them from planting trees on their lands.

Key Features of the Model Rules

Establishment of State Level Committees under Wood-Based Industries Guidelines (2016) to implement and monitor the rules.

Mandated registration of agroforestry plantations on the NTMS Portal, with,

Land ownership proof
Farm location (KML files)
Species and plantation details
Geo-tagged images
Online application process for tree felling permissions.
Empanelled verification agencies will inspect plantations.
Divisional Forest Officers (DFOs) to supervise and monitor verification agencies’ work.

Significance

Promotes domestic timber production and reduces import dependency.
Encourages wood-based industries with reliable raw materials.
Opens up export opportunities.
Aligns with India’s climate commitments by increasing tree cover.
Empowers farmers to monetize their farmlands in a sustainable manner.

Summary/Static	Details
Why in the news?	Centre Unveils Model Rules to Ease Agroforestry Regulations and Boost Rural Economy
Initiative Model	Rules for Felling of Trees in Agricultural Lands
Issuing Body	Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC)
Purpose	Simplify tree-felling rules, promote agroforestry, support farmers
Key Platform	National Timber Management System (NTMS) Portal
Registration Requirement	Geo-tagged data, land ownership, plantation details
Verification Process	By empanelled agencies; monitored by Divisional Forest Officers
Expected Outcomes	Boost rural economy, promote timber industry, reduce forest pressure