NEW DELHI, 12 August 2021: To tap the potential of agroforestry, the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare is implementing the Sub-Mission on Agroforestry (SMAF) Scheme since 2016-17.
There is a provision of financial assistance to farmers under the Scheme for plantation activities along with the development of various types of nurseries for producing quality planting materials like seeds, seedlings, clones, improved varieties to meet the requirement of quality planting materials/seeds for the farmers. Capacity building and training are also important interventions of the scheme to support the agroforestry sector.
To increase market linkages and access and to promote the consumption of agroforestry goods, the scheme is implemented in those States which have relaxed feeling and transit regulations for important agroforestry species.
Further, initiatives have been taken for the formation of 15 Farmer Producers Organization (FPOs) in the Agroforestry Sector to link the farmers with the market and industry in an organized manner.
The Scheme promotes the plantation of trees only for land-holding farmers.
Up to 5% of allocated funds are utilized for capacity building and training activities like training of farmers/field workers, skill development, awareness campaign, publications, seminars/workshops, conferences, etc. to raise awareness of the scheme among the farmers.
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