Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced on Friday that “agro-forestry” will soon be rebranded as “tree-based farming” to encourage integrated farming practices, particularly among small-scale farmers. This initiative aims to boost farmers’ incomes by diversifying their activities beyond traditional cereal production to include dairy, beekeeping, fisheries, and other ventures.
Speaking at a regional agriculture conference for northern states in Lucknow, Chouhan emphasized the importance of adopting this new terminology. He noted that the term “forest” in agro-forestry may deter farmers from engaging in tree planting due to fears of restrictions on tree cutting for sale. “We are now getting the name of agro-forestry changed to ‘tree-based farming’,” Chouhan explained, underlining the need to promote commercial tree plantation among small and marginal farmers.
Chouhan also raised concerns regarding the rising consumption of chemical fertilizers, citing Uttar Pradesh’s annual usage of 20 lakh tonnes in recent years. He questioned whether this consumption was sustainable and aligned with soil needs, or if it resulted from a blind imitation of practices by other farmers. He cautioned against the indiscriminate use of fertilizers, which can adversely affect soil health, and called for a balanced approach that prioritizes organic and natural farming methods.
In his address, Chouhan noted that decision-making in agriculture has traditionally relied on a single national meeting held twice yearly, prior to the Kharif and Rabi seasons. He announced plans to implement Zonal Conferences across five regions—east, west, north, south, and north-east—starting in 2026 to allow for more in-depth discussions tailored to specific local agricultural conditions.
While Punjab and Haryana have historically led the Green Revolution, Chouhan highlighted Uttar Pradesh’s current role in food grain production and acknowledged the contributions of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Jammu and Kashmir in the production of fruits, vegetables, and flowers.
The minister stressed that quality seeds are fundamental to successful farming and urged states to enhance seed availability that aligns with regional climate conditions. He acknowledged the unpredictability of weather patterns and emphasized the need for modern strategies in farming. “Farming can no longer be planned in the old-fashioned way,” he stated, advocating for the selection of crops, seeds, and farming techniques based on changing environmental factors.
Chouhan urged each state to develop its own agricultural roadmap, promising that the Centre is prepared to collaborate with states, agricultural universities, Krishi Vigyan Kendras, and expert institutions. He concluded that without setting long-term goals tailored to individual circumstances, genuine welfare for both farming and farmers remains unattainable.
Published on April 24, 2026
