Agroforestry that envisages integration of trees, herbaceous crops and/or animals on the same land unit, holds promising potential in Punjab to diversify traditional rice-wheat rotation.

The present paper is based on the analysis of survey data of 500 lac growers of Ranchi and West Singhbhum districts in the year 2003-04 and 2004-05. Primary data has been collected from the lac growers.

Adding various components on to a farm and integrating them has helped small farmers in Tamil Nadu reap rich harvests. The bio intensive farm models promoted by the Department of Science and Technology and based on agro-ecosystem principles, have resulted in a sustainable farm production and livelihoods.

Tribal farmers in India are being encouraged to plant underutilised indigenous wild trees on their land. This is in response to the fact that, in recent times, farming systems in central India have become less diversified and natural resources are becoming scarcer. Tribal communities living in remote areas are especially affected.

The article highlights the strength of integrating farmer’s involvement in identifying native species, establishment of plant nurseries in the vicinity, timeliness of operations and shared ownership in terms of protection measures. This is an effort of CAZRI in collaboration with local farming communities to revive traditional agro forestry systems in Rajasthan.

The severity of fuel wood and fodder depletion has been recognized through the hot arid tracts of India, since 70% of rural folk are dependent on them. The intensive study done on Baordi - Bambore watershed indicated that the state of affairs are not the same, as they appear. In normal rainfall situation, fodder availability appears to be more than required.