Research Article | Published: 07 January 2026

Traditional agroforestry practices in Kumaun Himalaya: Resource use pattern and sustainability

Manmohan Singh Kanwal, Anil Kumar Yadava and Subhash  Chandra Ram Vishvakarma

Indian Journal of Forestry | Volume: 48 | Issue: 4 | Page No. 261-272 | 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.54207/bsmps1000-2026-8J838L | Cite this article

Abstract

The present study addresses species composition, biomass production, the contribution of agroforestry (AF) to meeting annual fodder and fuel wood demands at the village level and the socio-cultural value of agroforestry species in the Kosi watershed. Vegetation analysis revealed that agrisilviculture, agrisilvipastoral and agrihortisilviculture systems were prevalent AF systems in the watershed. The highest number of tree species (16) were found under the AF system of Kantli followed by Dhaniyakot (14 species) and Sauraal (13 species). The total biomass of agricultural crops and trees in the AF systems varied between 159.26 and 164.35 MT ha–1
at the study sites. The traditional AF system is the prime source of fodder production. Approximately 45–50% fuelwood requirements fulfilled from agroforestry. The remaining fodder requirements of the study sites were met from natural forests and purchased fodder. Agroforestry systems contributed between 7.53 and 10.56% of the total annual fuel wood consumption at these study sites. 17 species were documented for medicinal purposes and used for curing different ailments. The introduction of agroclimatically suitable high-yielding varieties of horticultural and cultivation of medicinal, wild edible, fibre and lac-yielding tree species under agroforestry systems has been recommended for the cash income of farmers.

Keywords

Agroforestry, Biomass production, Vegetation analysis, Fodder, Fuel wood, Socio-cultural

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Kanwal, M.S., Yadava, A.K. and Vishvakarma, S.C.R., 2025. Traditional agroforestry practices in Kumaun Himalaya: Resource use pattern and sustainability. Indian Journal of Forestry, 48(4), pp.261-272. https://doi.org/10.54207/bsmps1000-2026-8J838L

Publication History

Manuscript Received on 14 May 2025

Manuscript Revised on 15 December 2025

Manuscript Accepted on 24 December 2025

Manuscript Published on 07 January 2026

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