By: Imtiyaz Shah
A Ziraat Times Special Report
Srinagar: In a policy move with significant implications for Jammu & Kashmir’s forest conservation and rural economy, the Government of India has issued Model Rules for Felling of Trees in Agricultural Lands. The initiative aims to promote agroforestry, simplify procedures for farmers and ultimately help double farmers’ incomes while increasing tree cover outside forests and advancing India’s climate commitments under the Paris Agreement.
Conservationists and economists believe that Jammu & Kashmir, with its extensive rural areas and ecological sensitivity, stands to benefit greatly from the model rules.
“The region faces challenges such as pressure on protected forests due to timber demand and large tracts of underutilized agricultural and kandi lands. By encouraging regulated tree farming on private lands, the new rules could support forest conservation, enhance rural incomes, and reduce dependence on costly timber imports”, said Tajinder Singh, a environmental activist from J&K.
In a letter sent to all state governments on June 19, the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change urged states and Union Territories, including J&K, to adopt the model rules to mainstream agroforestry as a sustainable land-use practice. The ministry noted that one of the major hurdles for farmers adopting agroforestry has been the absence of harmonised and simplified rules for felling trees on farmland.
The model rules aim to streamline cultivation, harvesting, and marketing of agroforestry produce by reducing red tape and ensuring clear, unified procedures across states. This clarity is expected to boost farmers’ ability to sustainably manage tree plantations and generate additional income, while supporting environmental goals.
Benefits for Jammu & Kashmir
Experts believe that the model rules hold particular promise for J&K, where unsustainable timber extraction from protected forests remains a critical concern. “Encouraging tree plantations on private agricultural and barren lands—especially species like poplar, deodar, kail, and willow—can ease pressure on natural forests and promote sustainable timber production”, said Muzaffar Shah, Chairman of the Awami National Conference.
Moreover, agroforestry can transform underutilized kandi lands in Jammu and the plateau regions of Kashmir into productive assets, providing farmers with diversified income streams. This could stimulate rural economies, reduce poverty, and create a more climate-resilient agricultural landscape.
“By fostering local timber production, J&K can also cut down its reliance on timber imports, which inflate costs for construction and furniture industries. Increased domestic supply will boost local businesses and encourage circular economies based on sustainable forestry” says Hussain Shah, former Director of Research at Sheri Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences, Srinagar.
The Centre’s call for swift adoption of these model rules is seen as a step toward aligning J&K’s forestry and agriculture sectors with national priorities of climate-smart farming, rural empowerment, and sustainable land use. With effective implementation, the policy could mark a turning point for the J&K’s environment and economy alike, experts believe.
Main highlights of the Model Rules:
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The State Level Committee (SLC), formed under the 2016 Wood-Based Industries Guidelines, will now oversee these rules, with expanded membership to include officials from revenue and agriculture departments.
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The committee will advise governments on how to promote agroforestry, enhance timber production on agricultural land, and simplify felling and transit of commercially valuable tree species.
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Farmers must register their plantations on the National Timber Management System (NTMS) portal, providing land ownership, species planted, planting dates, average tree height, and geotagged photos in KML format.
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For felling up to 10 trees, farmers upload tree photos and planned felling dates; the system auto-issues a No Objection Certificate (NOC) unless field verification is needed.
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For felling more than 10 trees, a verifying agency will inspect the plantation, estimate timber volume, and recommend a felling permit.
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Divisional Forest Officers will monitor verifying agencies’ performance and submit quarterly reports to the SLC.
