Traditional Agroforestry Systems Prevailing in Dehradun District of Uttarakhand

Abstract

This study documented the traditional agroforestry practices and their components in 36 villages distributed among six developmental blocks of Dehradun district. The predominant traditional agroforestry systems observed were Agrisilvihortipastoral, Agrisilvipastoral, Agrisilviculture, Agrisilvihorticulture, and Agripastoral systems. Agrisilvihortipastoral system was most prominent agroforestry practices adopted by nearly 33% of respondents, followed by the Agrisilvipastoral system (31%), Agrisilviculture (17%), Agrisilvihorticulture (7%), and the Agripastoral system (6%). Indigenous Multipurpose Trees (MPTs) were found to grow naturally on the bunds of the farms and are occasionally present scattered in between the farms. Respondents mentioned that Multipurpose trees provide multiproducts and are retained by the farmers on their farms for various uses mainly for fodder and fuelwood. Grewia optiva is the most preferred Multipurpose tree species and was found in all the developmental blocks. Within each of the major agroforestry systems, all the components viz. agricultural crop, MPTs, fruit plants and fodder grass were documented. The study revealed that the traditional agroforestry practices have helped the farmers in meeting their diverse needs i.e. food, fodder, fuelwood, fruit and timber. However, within all the traditional agroforestry systems, their components do not have an optimum representation. To enhance the productivity of these systems, further research and targeted extension efforts are required.