NCCF organize Focus Group Discussions under ICFRE’s Agroforestry Research Project

The Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) has awarded “Policy research study in Agroforestry project to Network for Certification and Conservation of Forests (NCCF) with specific Terms of reference that include policy issues, regulatory framework, market mechanisms, forward and backward linkages, availability of quality planting material, trends in prices of agroforestry produce, the impact of imports on agroforestry, measures to promote exports, promoting certification of forests / ToF and linkages with NDC targets, etc in Agroforestry (AF)  sector. As part of the project, NCCF has organized online-focused group discussions on “Policy research study on agroforestry” on 29th June and 6th July 2021 for the North and South zone respectively.

The Focused Group Discussion (FGDs) had the participation of senior officers from State Forest Departments, retired professional foresters, experts in Agroforestry, scientists, representatives of farmers, wood-based industries, industry associations, international organizations, research institutions, and other stakeholders to gather qualitative insights and suggestions on different aspects of agroforestry.

Dr. Devendra Pandey, IFS ( retd),  Chairperson, NCCF ToF Standard Development Group and Principal Investigator of this research project coordinated proceedings of the Focus Group Discussion.

Mr. Avani Varma, Co-Chairperson, NCCF shared the perspectives on Agroforestry, as a Member of the National Sub-mission on Agroforestry and NITI Aayog’s Committee on Agroforestry.

 parameters for different spp. and uses, market mechanisms including market information system; transport subsidy to facilitate price stability of AF wood; strong AF extension services including decentralized nurseries, Quality Planting Material, AF models, regular training programs for tree growers, incentivizing tree growing based on survival; separate governance regime for AF – liberalized transit permit system across the country, provision for a certificate of origin/ownership to ensure legality and traceability, adherence to minimum product standards to ensure quality and service life, certification of AF products – used as raw material for manufacturing – to enhance exports; evolving system for payment of Ecosystem Services of agroforestry, reduction of wood imports, coordinated research & policy development, etc.

Mr. A.K.Bansal, Chairperson, PCA Group and Standard Development Group of NCCF NWFR Standard, summed up proceedings of the meeting with a summary of recommendations.

Suggestions received in the meeting have added value to the project and will help NCCF in evolving appropriate recommendations in the research study report.

DG@NCCF